Gal Gadot survives rare brain surgery while eight months pregnant
Image: Instagram / Gal Gadot
Hollywood actress Gal Gadot has opened up about a life-threatening medical emergency she faced while eight-months pregnant with her fourth daughter, Ori.
The "Wonder Woman" star revealed she underwent emergency surgery after being diagnosed with a massive blood clot in her brain, a condition known as cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT).
“This year has been one of profound challenges and deep reflections,” Gadot shared in an emotional Instagram post on Sunday.
“In February, during my eighth month of pregnancy, I was diagnosed with a massive blood clot in my brain. For weeks, I had endured excruciating headaches that confined me to bed until I finally underwent an MRI that revealed the terrifying truth.”
The 39-year-old actor described the experience as a stark reminder of life’s fragility.
“In one moment, my family and I were faced with how quickly everything can change, and in the midst of a difficult year, all I wanted was to hold on and live,” she said.
Gadot was rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where she underwent emergency surgery.
Remarkably, her daughter Ori, whose name means “my light,” was born amidst the uncertainty and fear of the situation.
“Before the surgery, I told Jaron (her husband) that when our daughter arrived, she would be the light waiting for me at the end of this tunnel,” she said.
Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a rare but serious condition in which a blood clot forms in the brain’s venous sinuses, preventing blood from draining properly.
This can lead to increased pressure in the brain, causing severe headaches, vision problems, and other potentially life-threatening complications.
“Awareness matters,” Gadot wrote, stressing the importance of recognising the warning signs.
“I had no idea that three in 100,000 pregnant women in the 30+ age group are diagnosed with CVT. While rare, it’s a possibility, and knowing it exists is the first step to addressing it.
"Pain, discomfort, or even subtle changes often carry deeper meaning, and being attuned to your body can be life-saving.”
Following weeks of care and recovery, Gadot is now fully healed and expressed immense gratitude to the medical team that saved her life.
“Thanks to an extraordinary team of doctors at Cedars-Sinai and weeks of dedicated care, I made it through and began the road to recovery,” she wrote.
Gadot and her husband, producer Jaron Varsano, who tied the knot in 2008, are also parents to Alma, Maya and Daniella.
Ori, now nine months old, joins her three older sisters, Alma, Maya, and Daniella, as the youngest member of the Varsano-Gadot family.
Image: Gal Gadot / Instagram
Despite the challenges, Gadot remains optimistic and hopeful that her story will help others.
“Sharing this is not meant to frighten anyone but to empower,” she said.
“If even one person feels compelled to take action for their health because of this story, it will have been worth sharing.”
IOL