Emilia Clarke’s journey has been marked by triumph and resilience as she faced the daunting challenges of surviving two brain aneurysms.
A brain aneurysm, characterized as a bulge in the artery wall, can potentially cause life-threatening bleeding if it grows large enough to burst, as the National Institutes of Health states.
In a candid revelation, the acclaimed actress, renowned for her iconic portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen on Game of Thrones, opened up about the profound impact these aneurysms had on her life.
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Despite the odds stacked against her, she survived the surgeries and defied expectations by regaining her speaking ability—a remarkable testament to her strength and determination.
Emilia Clarke had her first brain aneurysm at ending of first season of ‘Game of Thrones’
Clarke’s journey was tumultuous when she experienced her first brain aneurysm shortly after completing the first season of Game of Thrones.
At just 24 years old, while undergoing a workout session with her trainer, she suddenly felt an excruciating sensation in her brain — an intense pressure similar to an elastic band constricting around her head.
Struggling to maintain her composure, she managed to make her way to the locker room, where the severity of the situation became undeniable.
Emilia Clarke is a successful British actress (Source: Vanitatis)
Overwhelmed by agonizing pain, she found herself violently ill, the stabbing and constricting pain intensifying with each passing moment. Deep down, she recognized the gravity of the situation—her brain was suffering damage.
Swiftly transported to a hospital, she received a diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage, necessitating an emergency three-hour surgery. The procedure, although life-saving, marked only the beginning of her arduous battle.
In the aftermath, she endured excruciating pain, vision impairments, and the distressing effects of aphasia, which impairs a person’s ability to speak and write due to brain damage.
She struggled to recall her name at one point, facing a profoundly disorienting and frightening reality.
In her darkest moments, the weight of her suffering led her to contemplate ending it all. She candidly revealed that she pleaded with the medical staff to let her die, grappling with the overwhelming despair that enveloped her.
During her subsequent month-long stay in the hospital, Clarke received the unexpected news that she had another, smaller aneurysm on the opposite side of her brain.
While doctors assured her that it could remain dormant and harmless indefinitely, they advised vigilance in monitoring its status, urging her to stay vigilant.
Emilia Clarke underwent her second brain surgery in 2013
Clarke’s resilience was tested again in 2013 when she underwent her second brain surgery, a pivotal moment that unfolded while performing in a Broadway play.
With a mere five days remaining on her Screen Actors Guild insurance, she underwent a routine brain scan, only to be confronted with alarming news—the growth in her brain had doubled in size.
Prompted by this disconcerting discovery, she underwent a procedure to address the issue. However, a cascade of unforeseen complications followed, plunging her into unimaginable agony.
Emilia Clarke is best known for her role in ‘Game of Thrones’ (Source: Store Wars)
As she emerged from the haze of anesthesia, her screams of pain echoed through the hospital walls. The procedure had failed, resulting in a massive bleed that left her fate hanging by a thread.
Her doctors clarified that her survival would require yet another operation, this time through the antiquated method of accessing her brain by opening her skull.
The road to recovery following the second surgery proved to be even more grueling than before. She detailed the arduous journey, recounting the presence of a drain protruding from her head.
Pieces of her skull had been replaced with titanium. As if the physical pain were not enough, she also grappled with debilitating panic and anxiety attacks during her hospital stay.
Each step forward seemed challenging, testing her resolve and fortitude in ways she never anticipated.
Emilia Clarke is thankful for having a chance to return to her everyday life
Clarke’s sense of gratitude stems from the realization that her two brain aneurysms, experienced in her twenties, have not robbed her of the ability to lead an everyday life.
Despite enduring these life-threatening episodes during her tenure as a cast member on the acclaimed HBO series Game of Thrones, the 35-year-old actress remains acutely aware of the remarkable fortune she has been granted.
In an interview, she expressed her immense appreciation that she can still communicate and engage in everyday activities following the aneurysms. Remarkably, she can articulate her thoughts and experiences while living without consequences.
Clarke acknowledged the rarity of her situation, acknowledging that she is part of a tiny minority of individuals who have managed to survive such severe circumstances.
Reflecting on subsequent brain scans, she disclosed that a significant portion of her brain was “missing,” a revelation that elicited a sense of laughter from her.
She drew parallels between her ordeal and strokes, emphasizing how even a momentary lack of supply of blood to any part of the brain can result in irreversible damage.
However, despite facing such daunting odds, she found alternative routes for blood circulation, allowing her to reclaim aspects of her life that were temporarily disrupted.
In her own words, she shared her journey of healing, surpassing even her most ambitious expectations. She has restored herself to total health with an unwavering spirit and resilient determination, fully embracing the present moment.
