Hailey Bieber's Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
In March 2022, Hailey Bieber experienced a serious health scare while having breakfast with her husband. She recalled feeling a strange, tingling sensation in her arm, followed by the right side of her face drooping and difficulty speaking. Rushed to the hospital, tests revealed she had suffered a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), often called a "mini-stroke". A TIA is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain, and while her body passed the small blood clot on its own, it was a critical warning sign.
The Cause: Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO)
Further testing was conducted to find the source of the blood clot, especially considering her young age. A subsequent ultrasound revealed that Bieber had a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO), a congenital heart defect where a small hole in the heart's upper chambers fails to close after birth. In her case, the hole was a Grade 5, the highest possible grade, measuring between 12 and 13 millimeters. Normally, small blood clots are filtered out by the lungs, but her PFO allowed the clot to travel from her heart to her brain, causing the TIA.
Other Contributing Factors and Recovery
Doctors identified several other contributing factors that, in combination with the PFO, likely led to the TIA. These included recent use of birth control pills, a recent COVID-19 infection, and taking a long-haul flight. Under her doctor's recommendation, Bieber underwent a PFO closure procedure, a minimally invasive operation where a button-like device is inserted to close the hole. She has since reported a smooth and successful recovery.
A History of Ovarian Cysts
Separately from her heart condition, Hailey Bieber has also been public about her struggles with ovarian cysts. She has revealed having painful cysts on her Instagram stories on multiple occasions, including an update in April 2025. Ovarian cysts are common fluid-filled sacs that can cause pain, bloating, and emotional distress. Bieber has been transparent about her experience to raise awareness and support others facing similar health challenges.
What are ovarian cysts?
- Functional Cysts: These are the most common type and form during the menstrual cycle. They are typically harmless and disappear on their own within a few weeks.
- Other types: While Hailey stated she does not have conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis, other types of benign cysts can occur.
- Symptoms: Common symptoms can include pelvic pain, bloating, and a feeling of fullness in the abdomen. In severe cases, a ruptured cyst can cause intense pain.
Comparing a TIA and a Full Stroke
Hailey Bieber's experience highlights the critical difference between a TIA and a full stroke, which can be difficult to distinguish during the event.
| Feature | Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) | Full Stroke (Ischemic Stroke) |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain. | Prolonged blockage of blood flow to the brain, causing damage. |
| Symptoms | Symptoms are identical to a stroke but are temporary. | Symptoms are persistent and require immediate medical attention. |
| Duration | Symptoms usually last a few minutes but can go up to 24 hours. | Symptoms last longer than 24 hours and cause permanent damage. |
| Outcome | Does not cause permanent brain damage, but is a major warning sign. | Can cause lasting brain damage, disability, or death. |
| Action | Seek immediate medical attention. A TIA is a high-risk precursor to a full stroke. | Seek immediate medical attention. Rapid treatment is crucial to minimize damage. |
Mental Health and Public Advocacy
Beyond her physical diagnoses, Hailey Bieber has also spoken candidly about the significant mental toll of her health scares. After her mini-stroke and heart procedure, she struggled with anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), experiencing a fear of the event recurring. Her willingness to share her experience has been praised for bringing awareness to both her conditions and the often-overlooked mental health challenges that follow traumatic medical events. By opening up, she encourages a more open conversation around health and the importance of seeking help.
Conclusion: Lessons from Hailey's Journey
Hailey Bieber's public health journey has brought mainstream attention to conditions like TIA and PFO that are not commonly associated with young, healthy individuals. Her story underscores the importance of not dismissing subtle symptoms and seeking immediate medical care, as a TIA can be a critical precursor to a more severe stroke. Furthermore, her transparency about her PFO and ovarian cysts sheds light on conditions that affect millions, while her candor about her mental health provides a crucial reminder that the road to recovery often involves addressing both physical and psychological well-being. Her advocacy encourages proactive health monitoring and open discussion, ultimately helping to empower others to prioritize their health.
For more detailed information on Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), resources from the American Stroke Association are available(https://www.stroke.org/en/help-and-support/resource-library/lets-talk-about-stroke/transient-ischemic-attack).
