Bret Michaels Hospitalized Again After Stroke

LOS ANGELES — Bret Michaels is back in the hospital.

The rocker and reality TV star suffered what doctors call a "warning stroke" and has been diagnosed with a patent foramen ovale, or hole in the heart, according to a report Thursday on his website. Michaels' publicist, Joann Mignano, confirmed the report.

Michaels was hospitalized after experiencing numbness on the left side of his body, particularly in his face and hands.

Doctors said the condition is operable and treatable and likely unrelated to the brain hemorrhage the 47-year-old suffered last month.

Michaels' neurosurgeon said that while the Poison frontman has a "fantastic attitude" about making a full recovery, "Bret's brain and body are not quite 100 percent yet, especially with the hole found in his heart."

Additional tests were being conducted to determine the best course of treatment. Doctors said Michaels is currently being treated with a daily injection of a blood thinner to reduce the risk of clots.

His website said Michaels was "up, walking, talking, continuing his daily rehab and very happy to be alive."

"He has made it clear he is sick and tired of being in the hospital and is ready to rock again," the site says.

Michaels was expected to appear at Sunday's finale of Donald Trump's "The Celebrity Apprentice" in New York. NBC said in a statement that the network is "cautiously optimistic" that Michaels can attend the live season finale.

"Ultimately, it's up to Bret and his doctors if he should attend," the statement said.

In the episode, Trump's boardroom revelation of the winner will air live. The rest of the show was taped last year, including the final challenge segment.

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Online:

Bret Michaels, http://www.bretmichaels.com

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AP Television Writer Lynn Elber contributed to this report.

Comments

[jadagirl]

10:48 PM on 05/23/2010

Poor Bret, he looks bad on Celebrity Apprentice. Talk about strong though! Gotta respect that.
I predict a double-win tonight on the Apprentice in 15 mins. I'm watching the finale, and I think Trump will go with a split win for Holly Robinson Peete & Bret Michaels - both being the winner.

That's my prediction!

[JustCuz]

08:20 PM on 05/23/2010

Am I the only person who finds this dude creepy looking? Besides, it appears his number was up with the hemorrhage, but he got a second chance, now the stroke. Let nature take it's course.

[sportsgamer]

07:52 PM on 05/23/2010

Two strokes and a hole in his heart = Apprentice ratings. Wag the dog.

[redsongia]

06:26 PM on 05/30/2010

He;s quickly becoming the sarah palin of pop.

[lostonbridgetofuture]

04:51 AM on 05/23/2010

Bret Michaels was such a big part of my life, I hope he gets better soon.

[Aitch5]

11:51 PM on 05/22/2010

Good Luck Bret!!

[Grim Al]

08:55 PM on 05/22/2010

I'm tellin' ya - I said it after the first episode - it's the freakin' headband!

[Tenzo-RH2]

12:25 AM on 05/23/2010

Doctors have been working 24/7 to remove that headband!

[Dr Confuso]

08:31 PM on 05/22/2010

I saw a picture of this has been in the ICU, with his bandana still wrapped around his noggin! If the good Dr. House were around, he'd probably figure out that the bandana was too tight, thus constricting blood flow to whatevers left of Michaels brain. Dude. lose the do-rag, we all know you're bald!

[cherieamour]

03:33 PM on 05/22/2010

...hang in there, Brett...

[WorkhelpWorkhelp]

01:59 AM on 05/22/2010

Better slow the F down. Can't believe he was saying he was gonna be back on stage in a week or two. Not now. Hey, Super Hero, slow down.

[Art Dodger]

11:47 PM on 05/21/2010

I think he has done too much rockin

[Andrea Torres]

09:57 PM on 05/21/2010

he seems like a nice guy from watching him on the apprentice. I also saw his sex tape with pamela anderson recently and couldn't help wondering if he was getting ready to pass out or have a stroke.

[Pauline Walters]

08:24 PM on 05/21/2010

Don't hate me for saying this but could all this be due to the rocker life style Bret Michaels has lived? If it is or is not I hope he recovers soon, being cooped up in a hospital bed is horrible. Bret Michaels should just take it easy and relax. I read that he was to do a show in about 6 weeks which in my opinion is too soon. Bret, just relax. Life is still going and and you do not have to rush to get to the stage.

[rain33]

05:01 PM on 05/21/2010

oh my gosh i hopes that he recovers. brett michaels will get better. he's a fighter which i truly admire him for beating the odds. the doctors should have told him before they released him. sometimes doctors needs to do their jobs right instead worrying bout getting paid all of the time. get well brett!

[Dr Confuso]

08:33 PM on 05/22/2010

How old are you, 9?

[rain33]

10:05 AM on 05/23/2010

naw you're 2! quit being so damn judgmental of people that you don't even know!

[hallowellboy]

04:35 PM on 05/21/2010

Shaved armpits?

[JustCuz]

08:21 PM on 05/23/2010

Good catch Hallowellboy ... dude looks like a lady!

[Saint007]

03:13 PM on 05/21/2010

The dude needs a complete makeover when he gets out of the hospital. That 70's look he still wears is a bit dated for a wanna-be rock star.