• 11
  • May
    2010

Nearly three weeks after he was admitted to the hospital for excruciating head and neck pain, Bret Michaels is out of the hospital - and feeling extremely lucky. Doctor Joseph Zabrama, the cerebrovascular surgeon who oversaw MIchaels' surgery, underlined just how lucky the rock star was to be on the road to a full recovery following his April brain injury.

Of those who suffer a brain injury like Michaels, only about 20 percent make a complete recovery and are able to return to normal. 50 percent of those who suffer a subarachnoid hemorrhage either pass away or are left with permanent brain damage. 

Michaels, however, is already walking and talking - even planning upcoming show dates. While doctors had originally been concerned that Michael's brain injury was caused by a brain aneurysm, tests have failed to turn up anything conclusive. This, apparently, is good news.

However, friends and family are concerned that Michaels' hard-charging personality and dedication to his career could trigger more stress and, possibly, further brain injury. For the time being, at least, the Poison lead singer is concentrated on recovering.

For the next week or so, the blood clot that formed around Michaels' brain will slowly be dissolved by his body. The process, known as chemical meningitis, causes terrible headaches, back pain and muscle spasms.

Michaels' had planned several tour dates later in May, including both solo shows and the beginning of an anniversary tour with Poison. Right now, those stops are being tentatively left on the calendar, pending confirmation. May will also see the season finale of Donald Trump's Celebrity Apprentice, on which Michaels is one of the remaining contestants.

There is no word yet on whether Michaels will return to the show for that episode.

Related Resources