Dr. Dre Shares His Journey Through 3 Strokes After Brain Aneurysm: A Tale of Appreciating Life

Dr. Dre, whose real name is Andre Romelle Young, recently shared his experience of having three strokes while in the hospital for a brain aneurysm two years ago. He opened up about this on SiriusXM's This Life of Mine With James Corden on Thursday, March 14. Dre, who is 59 years old, described the strokes as something that happened unexpectedly and out of his control during the two weeks he was hospitalized.

Dre grabbed attention in January 2021 when he had to go to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles due to a brain aneurysm. According to a source, the doctors were very worried about his condition.

In an interview with James Corden, Dre shared that he woke up one day with discomfort behind his right ear, which eventually turned into the most intense pain he had ever experienced.

He got up and went about his day, thinking he could just take a nap. His son's female friend insisted on taking him to the hospital, so they went to urgent care.

At urgent care, Dre received the news that his condition was "serious."

Dr. Dre Reveals He Had 3 Strokes Following Brain Aneurysm: ‘Makes You Appreciate Being Alive’

Dr. Dre is seen on SiriusXM’s ‘This Life of Mine with James Corden’ in Los Angeles. Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for SiriusXM

Dre shared that he suddenly blacked out and was in and out of consciousness, eventually ending up in the ICU. He recalled spending two weeks there, hearing doctors emphasize how fortunate he was to survive the ordeal.

Reflecting on the experience, Dre mentioned that no one could provide him with a clear answer on whether he could have taken steps to avoid the health scare.

"I didn't even know I had high blood pressure because I'm really focused on my health. I work out, lift weights, run, and do everything to stay healthy," he explained. "I wondered if working out more or eating differently would have prevented it. But no, it's hereditary. High blood pressure is common in Black men, they call it the silent killer. You never know, so it's important to get checked regularly."

When Corden asked how this experience has affected Dre's life now, he admitted that he's not sure if there's been a significant change in his daily routine.

He said that he doesn't just go crazy thinking about what might happen tomorrow. He believes that the incident was something that happened to him unexpectedly. Going through such a situation makes you value being alive, he added.

He further explained that realizing he had no control over the situation made him aware that things can happen suddenly. Waking up and realizing that he is still here was a moment of reflection for him.

Editor's P/S:

Dr. Dre's candid revelation about his near-death experience serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life. The sudden onset of strokes, despite his healthy lifestyle, highlights the unpredictable nature of health crises. His account underscores the importance of regular check-ups and awareness of hereditary risks, especially for high blood pressure in Black men. The absence of warning signs emphasizes the critical need for early detection and preventive measures.

Dre's resilience and acceptance of the uncontrollable aspects of life offer valuable lessons. His experience prompts us to cherish the present moment and appreciate our existence. It also reinforces the notion that health is not solely a matter of personal choices but can be influenced by genetic predispositions. By sharing his story, Dr. Dre not only raises awareness about brain aneurysms and strokes but also inspires us to prioritize our well-being and live each day to the fullest.