Bret Michaels Develops Hyponatremia

Poison frontman Bret Michaels, recently hospitalized with a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), has now reportedly developed hyponatremia. This condition develops in anywhere from 10-40% of patients with SAH and may actually “precede cerebrovascular spasm by at least one day,” according to a 2006 study published in Neurology India.

On a more positive note, Mr. Michaels was not reported to have suffered any seizures as a result of low sodium levels, and according to a statement posted on his website, doctors are hopeful that he will make a full recovery.

Though 15-20% of SAHs have no known cause, a confluence of factors, from Michaels’ type 1 diabetes and recent appendectomy surgery, to a head injury caused by a falling curtain at the 2009 Tony Awards, could have contributed to the event. Matt Mealiffe, MD of DNA and You speculates that the cause could have even been genetic.

BretMichaels.com stresses that most reports on Mr. Michaels’ condition are coming from individuals not authorized to speak on his behalf, and that more specific information will be released on Monday, April 31.

In the meantime, let’s hope that this recovery story from Michaels’ past serves as bellwether for his future prospects.