Haleigh Caruso, the wife of Oklahoma City Thunder player Alex Caruso, has recently shared an update on her health following a challenging year marked by serious medical issues. Earlier this year, Haleigh underwent genetic testing to investigate the underlying causes behind two torn arteries that had previously led to a mini-stroke diagnosis.
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In November 2022, Haleigh took to TikTok to inform her followers about her diagnosis of a transient ischemic attack, commonly known as a mini-stroke. This alarming health incident was attributed to the dissection of a vertebral artery. The troubling symptoms, which included severe headaches and blurred vision, manifested after a massage using a Theragun device. This raised concerns about the potential ramifications of such treatments.
Following her initial diagnosis, Haleigh’s medical team uncovered a further complication: a second vertebral artery had also suffered a tear. In a January update on social media, she provided additional context to her followers regarding her condition. Given the unusual nature of her situation, her healthcare providers recommended genetic testing to check for any hereditary conditions or diseases that could lead to such artery damage.
On February 24, Haleigh posted a new video on TikTok revealing the results of the genetic tests. To her relief, the findings indicated that she does not carry any disease markers associated with the weakening of arterial walls. “I’m not a carrier for any of those, which was honestly such a relief to me,” she expressed. The results suggested that her vertebral artery dissections were likely a direct consequence of the massage therapy rather than a pre-existing medical issue.
Following the diagnosis, Haleigh was referred to a neurosurgeon who specialises in vascular conditions. Although they have decided against surgical intervention for the time being, she continues to receive ongoing care and monitoring. “I’m on my blood thinners, and we’re going to wait a couple more months before doing another scan,” she explained, indicating optimism in her recovery process.
As she embarks on her road to recovery, Haleigh is mindful of her physical limits. She mentioned her physician has cleared her to engage in low-impact cardio exercises and to ski on easier slopes. In her daily routine, Haleigh has started to explore her physical capabilities, particularly during her walks. However, she reports experiencing discomfort: “I can feel immediately … my blood literally pulsing in the back of my head whenever I push it too far,” she conveyed, stressing the importance of listening to her body.
Setting personal fitness goals has become a focus for Haleigh, as she aims to improve her cardiovascular stamina. Currently, she struggles to walk for extended periods without becoming breathless. “I can barely walk for 45 minutes and not be out of breath,” she admitted, noting that her journey to wellness features both setbacks and successes.
Additionally, Haleigh has made an interesting observation regarding her experiences at basketball games, where her husband’s team plays. She has noted a correlation between the energetic atmosphere of the games and the onset of severe headaches. “I don’t know if it’s how loud everything is… but the last few games I’ve gone to, I have gotten the most piercing, pulsing headache at the base of my neck,” she revealed, contemplating the possible factors contributing to her discomfort in such settings.
Despite these challenges, Haleigh Caruso remains resilient and determined to navigate her health issues with an optimistic outlook. Her transparency in sharing her journey not only raises awareness about medical concerns but also serves as an inspiration to many who may be facing their own health struggles. As she continues to document her recovery, Haleigh’s experience highlights the importance of listening to one’s body and advocating for personal health, especially when facing unexpected medical challenges.