Radio 2 star rushed to hospital for emergency brain operation after suffering severe month-long headache
RADIO 2 star DJ Spoony has revealed he had emergency brain surgery just before Christmas.
The 54-year-old, real name Johnathan Joseph, told followers on Instagram that he had a subdural haematoma.
The NHS describes it as a “serious condition” where blood pools between the skull and surface of the brain.
Spoony had been suffering from severe headaches, a key symptom, for close to a month prior to the op but had battled through and continued with his day to day routine.
When it got too much he eventually went to A&E where he was sent for a CT scan and a small bleed on the brain was discovered.
He was immediately referred to Addenbrookes in Cambridgeshire for specialist treatment.
He said: “Crazy as I’d been working and training solidly all through the time of the headaches.”
The music star described the surgery as “routine” though praised the “very high standard” of skill from the surgeon and their team.
He continued: “Within 10mins of the operation I was on my way back to the ward. Fully alert. Chatting. Not groggy after the general.
“Couldnt wait to have that banana by my bed as I’d been nil by mouth since 1pm the previous day. That was the best banana I’ve ever had….as for the ginger shot. Perfect.
“‘[I] had something special to look forward to. Going home to my family and friends. All who had been incredible for the last few days. The visits, support, calls, messages. Very humbling.
“There was however some sadness waking up near to some people that didn’t know where they were, that would’ve spent a large part, if not all, of the day without loved ones. I think about them all every day and hope they are making progress in their recovery.”
Spoony thanked Bedford Hospital and Addenbrookes for the care they gave him, and also playfully thanked for Liverpool FC for maintaining their great season over the festive period.
He wrote: “You really are the best in the business. All the nurses, doctors, health assistants that looked after me. Thank you to the NHS. Thank you Richard Hughes, Michael Edwards, Arne Slot and Mo Salah.”
His friends and colleagues sent him their support, with Zoe Ball writing: “Oh darling. thank goodness you got checked out and fabulous team looked after you. hope you can rest a bit and heal well. mega love to you.”
Davina McCall, who herself recently underwent a brain operation, wrote: “Yayyyyyy!!! Fantastic result !!!!”
Professor Green commented: “well done for getting it checked! glad you’re good mate. sending love.”
Kate Lawler shared: “So glad you’re okay. I do love a surprise for loved ones. So beautiful xx.”
What is a subdural haematoma?
A subdural haematoma is a type of bleeding that occurs between the dura mater (the outermost layer of the meninges covering the brain) and the arachnoid mater (the middle layer).
This condition typically results from a head injury that causes blood vessels, particularly veins, to tear and bleed into the subdural space.
The accumulation of blood puts pressure on the brain, which can lead to symptoms such as headache, confusion, vomiting, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness or neurological damage.
Quick medical attention is crucial to manage and treat a subdural haematoma effectively.