White Sox relief pitcher Danny Farquhar suffered a brain hemorrhage while in the dugout during Friday night's game against the Astros. Farquhar is reportedly in stable but critical condition.
Farquhar passed out during the sixth inning Friday night and regained consciousness after being treated by on-site emergency medical care. He was taken to the hospital not long after and, as reported by The Chicago Tribune, is being treated in the intensive-care unit at Rush University Medical Center under the case of Dr. Demetrius Lopes and the Rush neurosurgical team.
Although at first it was not clear what caused the 31-year-old married father of three to collapse, further testing at the hospital revealed it was a brain hemorrhage, also known as a brain aneurysm.
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"When he left here he had a strong heartbeat, a good pulse and he was breathing well," said White Sox manager Rick Renteria, The Chicago Tribune reported. "EMTs came in and made sure they gave him oxygen and they got him on the gurney, and before he left he was conscious. He was able to speak to his wife a little bit. Right now he's being treated, and hopefully it's all going to be good."
The National Institutes of Health defines a brain aneurysm as when a weak or thin spot on a blood vessel in the brain balloons and fills with blood. This puts pressure on the brain and surrounding nerves. The aneurysm can also cause blood to overspill into the brain.
There are many possible reasons for a brain aneurysm. For example, certain genetic factors can increases an individual's risk. Head trauma, high blood pressure, infection and tumors can also increase risk, as well as personal behaviors such as cigarette smoking, and drug abuse.
In some cases brain aneurysms can lead to stroke, permanent nerve damage or death. However, early intervention, such as in Farquhar's case, significantly reduces the risk of adverse effects. The White Sox ensured they will give updates on the pitcher's health throughout his recovery, but also asked for respect for the Farquhar's family.
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