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Jordan Brook recently shared concerning news from his hospital bed, revealing he is battling viral meningitis and encephalitis, with his brain swelling reportedly worsening.
The 31-year-old star of “The Only Way Is Essex” disclosed last Sunday that he was hospitalized over the weekend due to brain swelling.
In a Saturday Instagram update, Jordan explained that he has been diagnosed with a viral type of meningitis, which causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord lining. This condition is distinct from the bacterial meningitis B outbreak recently reported in Kent.
Adding to his health challenges, Jordan is also suffering from encephalitis, a rare and severe brain inflammation that can be life-threatening.
From his hospital bed, Jordan posted a video detailing his situation, expressing that his brain swelling is intensifying, but reassured followers by stating, “We’re not out of the woods yet, but we’re getting there.”
In the clip, he said: ‘This is the first time I’ve really been able to speak strong enough about what’s going on. There’s been a lot of speculation as to why I’m here and what’s going on, and there’s a few comments and people saying things, but this is my diagnosis that I got yesterday.
Jordan Brook has revealed he has viral meningitis and encephalitis as he said the swelling on his brain is ‘getting worse’ in a health update from his hospital bed
Taking to Instagram on Saturday, Jordan revealed he had been diagnosed with a viral form on meningitis, inflammation of the brain/spinal cord lining
‘I’ve been diagnosed with not one, but two going in viruses that are attacking similar part of my body. I’ve got viral meningitis and encephalitis together. That’s the inflammation of the brain and the lining around it. So this isn’t something small or minor.
‘I’ve had CT scans, MRI scans, lumbar punctures. We’ve got round the clock care since I’ve been in this hospital. I’m on IV drips, everything, antiviral, pain management, physio, seizure monitoring as I have minor seizure risk at the minute.
‘But unfortunately, the swelling on my brain is getting worse with it’s really, really tough, even the simple day to day activities and normal things aren’t easy right now.’
He warned fans and friends not to listen to people commenting conspiracies regarding his condition, as he said: ‘Be conscious of some things that people are writing and commenting.
‘This isn’t like a joke, or people are writing that I’m a lot worse than I am, and there’s big C words being dropped and things like that. It isn’t that, but the swelling on my brain is really bad, pumped to my meds, my steroids, to try and get the swelling down.
‘I don’t know how much longer I’m going to be.’
He turned his attention to his pregnant girlfriend Sophie Kasaei, as he continued: ‘My focus right now is simple. I need to get healthy.
‘My Soph has been amazing, and she’s growing my precious baby boy. I just want to be a young, healthy dad, home for my family, with my baby, that’s the goal.
‘This won’t beat me. I will get out of this.’
He added: ‘Thank you as I said to anyone who is thinking of me and please be kind to Soph and support Soph and anybody else in the same boat.’
Clarifying his diagnosis, Jordan captioned the video: ‘My diagnosis – First time I’ve been strong enough to speak on this. Not one, but two viruses — viral meningitis and encephalitis.
However he has also been diagnosed with encephalitis, a rare, serious, and potentially life-threatening inflammation of the brain
Jordan turned his attention to his pregnant girlfriend Sophie Kasaei, as he continued: ‘My focus right now is simple. I need to get healthy’ (Pictured together)
Sophie revealed on Friday that she could now visit Jordan in hospital after it was revealed he isn’t ‘contagious’
‘This isn’t minor. Scans, treatment, and still a long road ahead. Be careful what you read — not everything being said is true.
‘Right now my focus is simple: Get healthy and get home to my family. Grateful for the doctors, my family, and everyone supporting me.
‘Life can throw curveballs when you least expect it. I will not beat – JB ❤️.’
Earlier this week, Jordan took to Instagram to share a black and white photo of himself lying in bed.
Alongside it, he wrote: ‘Another day in paradise. Praying for a better one or some sort of miracle.’
He didn’t go into any further detail about his condition at the time.
Sophie revealed on Friday that she could now visit Jordan in hospital after it was revealed he isn’t ‘contagious’.
She wrote: ‘As hard as this is I am finally allowed to see my Jords as there’s nothing contagious. His strength is just amazing and we will get through this as a family. Thank you for all your well wishes we are all praying for a more positive day.’
WHAT IS MENINGITIS?
Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.
Anyone can be affected but at-risk people include those aged under five, 15-to-24 and over 45.
People exposed to passive smoking or with suppressed immune systems, such as patients undergoing chemotherapy, are also more at risk.
The most common forms of meningitis are bacterial and viral.
Symptoms for both include:
- Pale, blotchy skin with a rash that does not fade when compressed with a glass
- Stiff neck
- Dislike of bright lights
- Fever, and cold hands and feet
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Severe headache
Headache is one of the main symptoms
Bacterial meningitis
Bacterial meningitis requires urgent treatment at hospital with antibiotics.
Some 10 per cent of bacterial cases are fatal.
Of those who survive, one in three suffer complications, including brain damage and hearing loss.
Limb amputation is a potential side effect if septicaemia (blood poisoning) occurs.
Vaccines are available against certain strains of bacteria that cause meningitis, such as tuberculosis.
Viral meningitis
Viral is rarely life-threatening but can cause long-lasting effects, such as headaches, fatigue and memory problems.
Thousands of people suffer from viral meningitis every year in the UK.
Treatment focuses on hydration, painkillers and rest.
Although ineffective, antibiotics may be given when patients arrive at hospital just in case they are suffering from the bacterial form of the disease.
Source: Meningitis Now