Jamie Foxx Shares Details of His Health Scare in New Comedy Special
Renowned actor and comedian Jamie Foxx has broken his silence regarding the serious health crisis that kept him away from the limelight for several months in early 2023. Through his latest Netflix stand-up special, Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was…, Foxx recounts the events that unfolded in April 2023, revealing a near-fatal health ordeal that went unnoticed initially.
While filming Back in Action on April 11, 2023, Foxx suffered a severe headache, which quickly escalated, causing him to lose consciousness before he could take any medication. Despite receiving an initial treatment of cortisol, it was his sister, Diedra Dixon, who sought further medical advice, leading to the discovery of a brain bleed at Piedmont Hospital.
Understanding Brain Bleeds
A brain bleed, medically termed as an intracranial hemorrhage, involves the accumulation of blood within the skull, either in the brain tissue or under the skull, exerting pressure on the brain. According to the Mayo Clinic, it is often life-threatening and demands immediate medical intervention. Such conditions typically arise from a burst blood vessel or due to head injuries, with older adults being more susceptible.
The Road to Recovery
Foxx’s medical journey was arduous; he regained consciousness 20 days later with no recollection of the incident and faced a lengthy recovery process. Initially unable to walk or talk, he underwent extensive physical therapy to regain his abilities. Despite the challenges, Foxx held onto his humor, stating, “The only thing I could hold on to was my sense of humor… If I can stay funny, I can stay alive.”
Throughout his special, Foxx becomes emotional as he discusses the ordeal, crediting his sister for her pivotal role in advocating for his health. He emphasized, “When you dream about what you want to be in life, you don’t dream tragedy. But when something does go wrong, you need a sister.”
Addressing Racial Bias in Healthcare
Foxx’s story highlights the broader issue of racial bias in healthcare, where the pain and concerns of Black patients are often underestimated. A Harvard study indicates that physicians are twice as likely to misjudge the pain of Black patients. Such biases have affected other Black celebrities, including Serena Williams, who faced a life-threatening situation post-childbirth.
These incidents underscore the importance of self-advocacy for Black patients in medical settings. African Americans are 50% more likely to experience strokes compared to their white counterparts, making awareness and advocacy crucial.
In reflecting on his experience, Foxx expressed a renewed appreciation for life’s blessings, sharing his faith-driven resilience through the refrain: “God is good. All the time.”
SEE ALSO:
Op-Ed: Why Jamie Foxx Should Not Have Apologized
Jamie Foxx Says, ‘I Went To Hell and Back’ In First Video Since Undisclosed Medical Incident
