Emilia Clarke says surviving two brain hemorrhages while filming 'Game of Thrones' left her convinced she was “meant to die.” Reflecting on the 'How To Fail with Elizabeth Day' podcast, the actress recalled collapsing at a London gym shortly after the show’s first season wrapped and later undergoing emergency brain surgery.
“Every day, that’s all I could think about,” Clarke said as she described the fear and emotional toll that followed.
Clarke, who portrayed Daenerys Targaryen on the HBO series, said she was determined to continue working despite concerns about how producers and executives might view her recovery.
After doctors discovered a second aneurysm, she later underwent another procedure while living in New York, though complications during surgery forced doctors to operate again in an emergency attempt to save her life. Clarke said the second hemorrhage affected her emotionally, leaving her feeling isolated during her recovery.
Brain hemorrhages are a critical and life-threatening medical condition that require immediate attention and intervention. Often referred to as “brain bleeds” or "hemorrhagic strokes," their sudden onset and complex nature mean that it is imperative for people to understand their underlying causes, as well as the risk factors involved and the critical need for prevention.
Brain bleeds do not discriminate by age or background, and they can affect people across a wide spectrum of demographics. But certain lifestyle choices, health conditions, and genetic factors can increase the chances of developing it. So, what types of brain hemorrhages are there, and what can be done to prevent them? Click through this gallery to find out.