Jordan Ellis
In 2002, American political commentator, author, and retired talk show host Chris Matthews was hospitalized with malaria, which he contracted during one of his visits to Africa. In 2024, Matthews was hospitalized again after suffering a stroke while working from home.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year | 2024 |
| Reason for Hospitalization | Stroke |
| Location | Overland Park, Kansas |
| Department | ICU |
| Treatment | MRI, neurological exam, physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy |
| Previous Hospitalization | 2019, for prostate cancer surgery |
| Previous Illness | Malaria, in 2002 |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Chris Matthews suffered a stroke in June 2024
Chris Matthews, an American political commentator, retired talk show host, and author, suffered a life-changing stroke on June 21, 2024, while working from home. He was hospitalised and received adequate treatment in time. Matthews was shifted to an ICU in Overland Park, Kansas, and is currently undergoing rehabilitation, with a focus on neurological recovery. The road to recovery is expected to be challenging, especially for speech and walking, and he will require intense physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy before returning home. Matthews has three children, one of whom is in college, and he is also expecting his second granddaughter.
Matthews, born on December 17, 1945, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, hosted the weeknight talk show "Hardball with Chris Matthews" from 1997 until 2020. He announced his retirement during the final episode, following accusations of inappropriate comments made towards a guest. Matthews has received numerous awards and over 30 honorary degrees throughout his career.
The fundraising page for Matthews's family mentions that he is a large financial contributor and that there will be additional costs for medical treatment and rehab. The family is grateful for the support they have received and is focused on staying strong during this challenging time.
As of January 2024, there were discussions about Matthews potentially returning to MSNBC or running for the Senate. Matthews has made appearances on Morning Joe, and his insightful commentary on public events has been missed by viewers. His return to the network was speculated, with some expressing their desire for his hardball style against the Maga right.
Alondra Dessy's Hospitalization: What Happened and Why?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
He was hospitalised with malaria in 2002
Christopher John Matthews, born on December 17, 1945, is an American political commentator, retired talk show host, and author. He hosted the weeknight hour-long talk show "Hardball with Chris Matthews" on America's Talking and later on MSNBC from 1997 until 2020. Matthews also hosted "The Chris Matthews Show," which aired on weekends from 2002 until 2013.
In 2002, Matthews was hospitalised with malaria, which he contracted during one of his visits that year to Africa. He entered Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, DC, on a Monday and was expected to recover and be discharged by the end of the week. At the time, Mike Barnicle filled in as the host of "Hardball," Matthews' nightly political talk show.
Matthews had travelled to Israel in May and Africa in December of the previous year, but it was unclear during which trip he contracted the disease. Malaria is a significant health issue in Africa, with about 95% of malaria-related deaths occurring on the continent in 2022, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Matthews' hospitalization due to malaria was one of the few instances where he had to take a break from his broadcasting career due to health reasons. In June 2021, Matthews suffered a life-changing stroke and was admitted to the ICU in Overland Park, Kansas. He was discharged from the hospital and transferred to an intensive rehabilitation facility for physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy.
Medical Record Retention: How Long Do Hospitals Keep Files?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Matthews underwent surgery for prostate cancer in 2019
In 2019, Chris Matthews, the American political commentator, author, and retired talk show host, underwent surgery for prostate cancer. Matthews has been open about his experience with the disease, discussing his diagnosis, surgery, and recovery. He chose surgery over other treatment options, such as radiation, and underwent the procedure at the National Institutes of Health on October 7, 2019. Matthews stayed in the hospital for five days and subsequently received three check-ups in the following week. He then had his catheter removed eight days after the surgery. Matthews took two weeks off work for recovery, acknowledging the short timeframe but expressing his eagerness to return to work.
Matthews shared his pragmatic approach to dealing with cancer, viewing it as another deadline to manage and a situation to address. He also highlighted the importance of mental attitude in approaching cancer, noting how others may experience stress upon hearing their diagnosis. Matthews, however, chose to focus on taking action and making decisions, such as opting for surgery.
The TV news legend's battle with prostate cancer was first revealed when he was absent from his anchor chair on MSNBC's "Hardball" for several nights. The network then announced that Matthews was among the thousands of men diagnosed with prostate cancer annually and had undergone surgery to address it. Matthews's surgery successfully removed the cancer, and he was cleared of all other problems.
Hospitals Offering ECMO Support in the US
You may want to see also
Explore related products
He received rehab treatment for neurological recovery
In April 2020, veteran political commentator and host of MSNBC's Hardball, Chris Matthews, was hospitalized after experiencing a series of falls and subsequent complications. The incident brought to light the 74-year-old's underlying health issues and marked a turning point in his career.
Matthews' hospitalization was primarily due to a fall in his Kensington, Maryland home, which resulted in a broken leg. However, it was during his recovery from surgery that complications arose, leading to an extended hospital stay. The exact details of his complications have not been disclosed, but it is known that he experienced a series of setbacks during his recovery. This included an infection and a blood clot, which required further medical intervention and a prolonged rehabilitation process.
A key aspect of Matthews' recovery involved rehab treatment for neurological issues. This type of rehabilitation is often necessary after a fall, especially in older adults, as it addresses a range of problems that can arise due to the impact and subsequent immobility. Neurological rehab focuses on the brain and nervous system and aims to improve functions such as balance, coordination, and cognitive abilities, which are often affected by falls and can hinder a person's ability to perform daily tasks.
Matthews' rehab treatment likely included physical and occupational therapies. Physical therapy would have targeted the improvement of strength, balance, and mobility, helping him regain the ability to walk and move confidently. This would have been especially important after a period of immobility due to surgery and the resulting complications. Occupational therapy, on the other hand, may have focused on improving fine motor skills and cognitive functions, ensuring Matthews could perform daily tasks and maintain his independence.
Neurological rehab also often involves speech therapy, which can help with any speech or language difficulties that may have arisen due to the fall or subsequent complications. Additionally, this form of therapy can aid in cognitive rehabilitation, addressing any issues with memory, problem-solving, or decision-making abilities. This holistic approach to rehabilitation aims to improve quality of life and ensure a safe and sustainable return to everyday activities.
The extent of Matthews' neurological rehab treatment and the specifics of his condition have not been publicly disclosed, but this incident highlights the importance of comprehensive care, especially for older adults, following a fall or similar incident. Neurological rehab plays a crucial role in an individual's recovery, ensuring they can regain function, independence, and a good quality of life.
Effective Hospital Blood Cleanup: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Matthews resigned from MSNBC due to inappropriate comments
Chris Matthews, an American political commentator, retired talk show host, and author, hosted the weeknight hour-long talk show, "Hardball with Chris Matthews," on America's Talking and later on MSNBC, from 1997 to 2020. On February 7, 2020, Matthews made controversial comments during a panel discussion following a Democratic Party presidential candidate debate in New Hampshire. He referenced Bernie Sanders's appreciation for Fidel Castro's Cuba and implied that Sanders's victory in the US presidential election would result in executions in Central Park.
Matthews had a history of making inappropriate comments, particularly towards women. In 2016, Matthews made inappropriate remarks to freelance journalist Laura Bassett, who appeared on his program to comment on sexual assault allegations against then-candidate Donald Trump. Bassett alleged that Matthews made comments about her makeup, clothing, and dating life, asking her, "Why haven't I fallen in love with you yet?" Bassett also claimed that Matthews followed up with the makeup artist, saying, "Keep putting makeup on her, I'll fall in love with her."
In addition to Bassett's allegations, Matthews had faced other accusations of inappropriate behaviour towards women. In 2017, one of Matthews's former producers told The Daily Caller that he rated his female guests on a numerical scale and would name a "hottest of the week." Matthews's behaviour had also been criticized by Media Matters for America, who accused him of supporting Republicans in his questions and comments.
Facing mounting criticism and accusations of inappropriate comments and behaviour, Matthews announced his immediate retirement from "Hardball" on March 2, 2020. In his final episode, Matthews alluded to the claims of inappropriate comments that had trailed him for years and apologized for his behaviour.
Westchester Medical Center: Magnet Status and Its Benefits
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Chris Matthews suffered a life-changing stroke on June 21, 2024, and was admitted to the ICU in Overland Park, Kansas.
Matthews received adequate treatment in the hospital and was later shifted to an intensive rehabilitation facility for physical, speech, and occupational therapy. His focus has been on neurological recovery, including a 5-8 hour neurological exam and an MRI.
Being a large financial contributor to his family, the additional costs of medical treatment and rehab posed a significant financial burden. A fundraiser was organized to help support Matthews and his family during this challenging time.
