Brain Clots Force 'Jeopardy!' Host Alex Trebek into Surgery, Will Step Away from Show
Fans of the legendary game show “Jeopardy!” will have to wait a bit for new episodes in 2018.
Host Alex Trebek took a fall that ended up being much more serious than originally thought.
In mid-December, doctors diagnosed Trebek with a subdural hematoma, stemming from a fall he suffered in October. He went into surgery the next day.
In a video posted to the “Jeopardy!” website, Trebek told fans that he was taking time off to recover from his injuries.
He reassured everyone that he was okay, saying, “The prognosis is excellent.”
The post that accompanies the video tells fans that Trebek is “expected to make a full and complete recovery.”
Trebek himself said that he expects to get back into the studio and start filming soon.
Although Trebek characterized his situation as “a slight medical problem,” a subdural hematoma can be extremely serious.
According to the US National Library of Medicine, a subdural hematoma is “among the deadliest of all head injuries.”
This condition can be hard to detect and can act like a tumor in the brain.
According to NPR, “Researchers estimate there could be more than 200,000 subdural hematoma injuries diagnosed annually at all the hospitals across the country.”
The subdural hematoma condition is more prevalent in older men and women. It can develop after seemingly minor head injuries, and sometimes it’s not detected in time.
The 77-year-old Trebek has been the host of “Jeopardy!” since 1984. He’s suffered medical issues in the past, and won’t let this one slow him down.
Since 2007, the “Jeopardy!” host has suffered two heart attacks. Still, he’s not going to let his health get in the way of what he loves to do.
Die-hard “Jeopardy!” fans just want their favorite host to get better. Due to the backlog of previously recorded shows, the show’s schedule won’t be affected by the break.
Trebek remains one of the most iconic game show hosts of all time. We’re just glad to hear that he’s doing better.
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