Hailey Bieber opens up about her 'life-altering' health scare for the first time

The Hailey Bieber stroke scare was the news no one saw coming. Now, the model is recounting the frightening ordeal to the public for the first time. 

The YouTube channel where the self-described "skincare nerd" typically assesses skincare product order and interviews celebrity pals like Emily Ratajkowski became the safe space she needed to open up.

"I'm making this video because I wanted to tell the story in my own words where I've been at health-wise for the past month and what I've gone through," she said. 

In a 12-minute-long clip, the 25-year-old details how her March 10 scare started, and ultimately, where she stands now.

Hailey Bieber stroke scare: an update from the model

The Rhodes skincare brand founder took to YouTube on April 27 with the details. 

On March 10, while having breakfast with her husband Justin Bieber, she felt a tingling sensation in her fingers and arm. Shortly after, her face began to droop and she was unable to speak. 

By the time she arrived at the hospital, these symptoms had gone away, but she still needed to get to the bottom of the issue. Tests revealed that she had suffered from a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), which is also known as a mini-stroke. 

Her description of the whole experience is frightening: essentially, Bieber lost oxygen to her brain for a period of time after experiencing a blood clot. Doctors attributed this to a combination of factors: starting birth control without advisement from professionals, which in turn affected her migraines, a Covid diagnosis and excessive travel.

Though the so-called "perfect storm" seemed to pinpoint the issue, a follow-up further revealed that Bieber had a PFO, which is a small opening in the heart that usually closes after birth. This PFO is what caused the blood clot to skip over her heart and travel to her brain. 

Despite such scary circumstances, Bieber underwent a PFO closure procedure that went "very smoothly." Now, she's on the mend. 

"The biggest thing I feel is I just feel really relieved that we were able to figure everything out, that we were able to get it closed, that I will be able to move on from this really scary situation and just live my life," she added. 

Judging from her recent appearances and activity, an outsider would never suspect any health-related concerns: Hailey Bieber's Coachella braids took the fashion scene by storm and the Hailey Bieber skincare brand, Rhodes, is set for a June launch. Plus, she and Justin looked great on the Grammys red carpet. It all appeared to be business as usual. 

Despite the initial shock and scare, it appears Bieber is on her way to gaining back control over her life and her wellbeing. However, she certainly understands what an effect this has had on her. 

"If there's anybody that watches this that has gone through the same thing or something similar, I definitely really empathize with you. And I understand how life-altering and scary it is," she noted. 

We're glad to hear that she's moving on towards a healthy, fresh start.