QUEEN guitarist Brian May has revealed he suffered a stroke that left him without control of his left arm.
The legendary musician (77) announced this in a video he shared on his social networks earlier today.
5
Sir Brian May revealed he had suffered a minor strokeCredit: PA
5
May performs on stage for QueenCredit: Getty
5
excited the audience with Freddie Mercury in May 1985. Credit: Getty
However, Sir Brian said he can still play the guitar despite a “slight health problem”.
In a video he shared on his website, the music icon said: “I’m here to bring you some news first of all, I think. The good news is that I can play the guitar after the events of the last few days.
“I say this because there was doubt because that little health hiccup happened about a week ago. What they called it was a “minor stroke”.
“All of a sudden, out of the blue, I didn’t have any control over this hand, so it was a bit scary.”
Sir Brian revealed that the incident left him temporarily unable to use his left arm – but he had a “very exciting” emergency ambulance ride to Frimley Hospital in Surrey.
The Queen guitarist praised the staff there for giving him the “most fantastic care”.
Describing his recovery, Brian said he was basically “grounded” because doctors told him not to do anything that could make his heart beat too fast.
He continued: “I didn’t want to say anything at the time because I didn’t want anything around me, you know. I really don’t want sympathy, please don’t do it because it will clutter my inbox.
“But the good news is that I’m fine and I’m doing what I’m told, which is really nothing, I’ve been punished.
“I can’t go out, drive, get on a plane, can’t get my heart rate up too high. But I’m fine.”
Concerned fans quickly rushed to the comments to share their relief that the music legend is on the road to recovery.
Queen guitarist Brian May has been knighted by King Charles at Buckingham Palace
One wrote: “Thanks for letting us know and showing us your smile. I can’t even begin to imagine what you are going through but I hope you feel better very soon and enjoy playing your guitar again.”
Another said: “I’m so happy to hear you’re doing so well! Strokes, big or small, as you know, are serious matters and I hope you follow your doctor’s orders in every way, no matter how frustrating they may be! We wish you to stay healthy for a long, lonnnng time!”
This isn’t the first health scare suffered by the glam rock guitarist, who survived a heart attack in 2020.
He was recovering from a torn muscle and pinched nerve as a result of an injury in the garden when he experienced a sudden onset of chest pains.
Brian then revealed that doctors had discovered that he had three blocked arteries and was in danger of blocking blood flow to his heart.
Doctors suggested open heart surgery, but Brian decided on an alternative, which is the installation of three stents in the heart.
Don’t delay… if you see signs of a stroke, call 999 straight away
By Lizzie Parry, Head of Health
A STROKE is a medical emergency, so knowing the signs and symptoms is crucial.
This happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, killing the cells. The damage caused can affect how the body functions, and the effects depend on where in the brain the stroke occurs.
There are three different types of stroke:
- Ischemic stroke – where a blockage, such as a blood clot, cuts off blood flow to the brain
- Hemorrhagic stroke – caused by bleeding in or around the brain
- Transient Ischemic Attack – Also known as a ‘mini stroke’, this is a big warning sign of a full blown stroke. It is similar to a stroke, but the symptoms last less.
Every stroke is different, but they can affect a patient’s ability to speak, move, think and feel. They can cause behavioral changes as well as emotional challenges.
They can happen to any of us, regardless of age. That’s why it’s important to educate yourself about the warning signs.
The faster you get medical attention and treatment, the more likely it is that the damage can be reversed and stopped in its tracks.
There is a handy acronym to help you recognize the symptoms of a stroke. If you notice them in yourself or in a loved one, don’t delay – call 999 straight away and tell the officer you suspect a stroke.
ACT quickly:
- Facial weakness – can the person smile? Did their mouth or eye droop?
- Arm weakness – can the person raise both arms?
- Speech problems – can the person speak clearly and understand what you are saying?
- It’s time to call 999 – if you see any of these signs, get help.
This test helps spot three key signs, but there are other symptoms to be aware of.
They include sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, sudden blurred or loss of vision, sudden confusion or memory loss, dizziness or sudden fall, and sudden, severe headache.
When it comes to stroke, the most important thing is to take these symptoms seriously. It may be something minor, but it pays to be careful and act quickly. Not only could it save your life, but it could save you or your loved one from long-term, devastating side effects.
For more information about stroke, visit the Stroke Association or the NHS website. You can read more from the Sun’s Health team about stroke here.
It comes after Sir Brian’s iconic band Queen sold their back catalog to Sony Music for a record £1 billion.
As part of this deal, the company acquires all of their studio records, including hits such as Bohemian Rhapsody, I Want To Break Free, Another One Bites The Dust and Don’t Stop Me Now.
However, Queen’s contract will not cover their live performances.
Those rights are retained by founding members Sir Brian and Roger Taylor who still tour as Queen with singer Adam Lambert.
Just two weeks ago, Brian released a documentary focusing on criticism of the ongoing badger cull.
Badger culls involve the killing of badgers in designated areas in an attempt to reduce bovine tuberculosis (bTB).
Brian May: The Badgers, The Farmers And Me follows him on a four-year project to eradicate the disease.
The one-off program will also highlight Sir Brian’s own work on bTB and preventing it without the need to cull badgers.
5
Sir Brian, Roger Taylor and Adam Lambert are still touring as QueenCredit: Getty
5
The Queen guitarist’s recent documentary Brian May: The Badgers, The Farmers And Me deals with badger cullsCredit: BBC
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education