Derek Hough Says Wife Hayley Needs “A Skull Implant” After Emergency Brain Surgery

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Derek Hough’s Wife Hayley Erbert Is Recovering After Undergoing An Emergency Craniectomy In Early December

Derek Hough and his wife, Hayley Erbert, were performing in Washington, D.C. on their Symphony of Dance Tour on December 6 After the performance, Hayley “became disoriented and was taken to the hospital.”

Derek posted the following day (December 7) that Hayley “was diagnosed with a cranial hematoma from a burst blood vessel.”She underwent an emergency craniectomy. The Cleveland Clinic describes the operation as “a type of brain surgery that relieves pressure on your brain.”

RELATED: DEREK HOUGH’S WIFE, HAYLEY ERBERT, RECOVERING AFTER EMERGENCY BRAIN SURGERY

Derek Hough shares news about his wife Hayley Erbert's emergency brain surgery
Derek Hough / Facebook

During a craniectomy, the surgeon removes a piece of the patient’s skull. The patient then wears a helmet following the operation to keep their skull safe.

According to The Cleveland Clinic, a person’s skull heals “in a month or two” after a surgery. However, The Cleveland Clinic also states “It’s common to need extended rehab and lifelong care after a craniectomy.”

Derek Shares Update On Hayley’s Condition, Says Her Recovery Is “Nothing Short Of A Miracle”

In an update posted on December 8, Derek said:

Hayley has always inspired me with her will, her strength, and her resilience and no more so than in the last 48 hrs. She is now on the long road of recovery. Words cannot express how grateful and thankful we are for the support and love that you have given us.”

Derek Hough shares update on his wife Hayley Erbert after her surgery
Derek Hough / Facebook

Derek shared a new, longer update about Hayley’s recovery on December 15. His post contained a video of him and Hayley walking toward the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. Hayley is currently wearing a protective helmet to keep her skull safe while she recovers.

In the caption, Derek said:

“As you all know, the past week has been a challenging journey for us due to a life-threatening event that suddenly came into our lives. It was a time filled with uncertainty and fear, going from living our dreams onstage, to a nightmare in an instant. But today, we are filled with hope and relief as we share with you an update.”

Derek said Hayley is doing well, all things considered. But she will need to undergo another surgery in the near future:

“Her recovery process has been nothing short of a miracle. She still has a ways to go with another surgery, hopefully in a few weeks, to insert a skull implant to replace the piece that was removed during the craniectomy. It will restore the skull to its natural shape and protect the brain from injury.”

Derek and Hayley married in August after eight years together.

 

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While this December hasn’t been the holiday season they envisioned it would be, they’re “incredibly grateful” to have it, and each other.

Read Derek’s full post below. We’ll continue to keep him and Hayley in our prayers as she recovers.