Queen Guitarist Brian May Hospitalized After Stroke, Issues Stroke Warning

Brian May, the iconic guitarist for the legendary rock band Queen, revealed this week that he was recently hospitalized after suffering a minor stroke. The incident, which briefly left him unable to use his left arm, caused a temporary halt to his guitar playing. May, now recovering, shared the news with fans via an Instagram video, where he recounted the shocking moment he lost control of his arm.

“All of a sudden, out of the blue, I didn’t have any control over this arm,” May said. He reassured fans that he is back to playing guitar, adding, “The good news is that I can play guitar again after the events of the last few days, but it was in doubt for a while.”

May’s experience highlights the importance of recognizing the warning signs of a stroke, as swift medical intervention is crucial. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, causing brain damage. Even a “minor stroke,” like the one May suffered, is a serious medical event. The guitarist emphasized that quick medical attention helped him recover, and he urged others to be vigilant.

Recognizing Stroke Warning Signs

May’s sudden loss of control in his left arm is one of the classic stroke symptoms. Experts recommend using the acronym FAST to identify stroke warning signs:

• Face: One side of the face may droop, or the smile may appear uneven.
• Arm: Weakness or numbness in one arm; the arm may drift downward.
• Speech: Slurred or difficult speech.
• Time: Call 911 immediately if any of these symptoms appear.

Other symptoms include confusion, difficulty walking, severe headaches, numbness, and trouble seeing. Even if symptoms resolve quickly, it is important to seek medical attention, as transient ischemic attacks (TIA), often called “warning strokes,” can precede a full-blown stroke.

Recovery and Outlook

May’s doctors advised him to take certain precautions during his recovery, including avoiding flying, driving, and strenuous activities that might elevate his heart rate. However, these recommendations vary depending on the severity of the stroke and individual health factors.

Patients recovering from a stroke may undergo tests like brain MRIs, and doctors might prescribe medications such as anticoagulants. Lifestyle changes, including managing cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes, are also critical to recovery.

Despite the scare, May is on the mend and has already returned to playing guitar. Fans of the 76-year-old rocker are relieved that he is regaining his strength and continuing to do what he loves.

Brian May’s experience serves as a powerful reminder to recognize the signs of a stroke and take immediate action—no matter how “minor” it may seem.