Bruschi’s Playing Career Is in Doubt

Considered the heart and soul of the New England Patriot defense, Tedy Bruschi undoubtedly faces the greatest challenge of his life now that he has been discharged from Massachusetts General Hospital.

“This is a major life event,” said Dr. Isaac Silverman, Medical Director of the Stroke Center at Hartford Hospital. “At the very least it’s prone to make you wonder about one’s health, especially for someone so young.”

Two days after having a mild stroke, Bruschi, 31, was released from the hospital Friday afternoon, barely two days after he was admitted, which is not unusual in many cases.

Silverman said that was a sign the stroke was mild.

But the uncertainty that surrounded the onset of his stroke will likely characterize his prognosis for a total recovery -- and return to the NFL -- in the months to come.

Various medical experts conclude it’s too early to tell if Bruschi, a linebacker, will be able to play again, although they say reports detailing his responsiveness while hospitalized indicate the chances are better.

“There’s no reason to be believe that he wouldn’t be able to play again,” said Dr. Hilary Onyiuke, chief of neurosurgery at the University of Connecticut Medical Center.

But Onyiuke cautioned that if Bruschi is eventually placed on blood thinners to aid the healing of an arterial dissection, one of the possible causes of the stroke, it would be unlikely he could play because of the danger of an uncontrolled bleed in case of injury.

According to an NFL medical source who requested anonymity, Bruschi faces a long road of tests, perhaps two to three months, before doctors can conclusively determine what damage has been done.

“But once he’s cleared to play, if he’s ever cleared to play, he’ll be the first one to know what’s going on with his body,” the source said. “He’ll know what the damage is and what the impact has been.

“What’s certain is, this is something the NFL hasn’t had to deal with very frequently, if at all. This isn’t like coming back from knee surgery. This can be a life or death situation.”

If Bruschi wants to play, according to the source, he’ll also likely be asked to legally exonerate any treating physician from a possible malpractice suit before he’s allowed back on the field.