Teri Garr's Health Journey: From MS to Aneurysm

Teri Garr, known for her comedic roles, recently passed away at the age of 79. Her cause of death was linked to complications from multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease she lived with for many years. MS affects the brain and spinal cord, causing communication issues between the brain and body. Women are more likely to get MS, with symptoms often starting between the ages of 20 and 40. Garr first noticed symptoms during the filming of "Tootsie" in the early 1980s. She experienced tripping, tingling in her arm, and a limp. It took her 16 years to get a proper diagnosis, as the symptoms were vague and came and went. Doctors initially thought she had an orthopedic problem or a pinched nerve. MS has various symptoms, including fatigue, memory problems, mood changes, mobility issues, numbness, pain, tingling, and vision impairment. There's no cure, but treatments can slow down the progression. Garr walked with a brace and received injections to manage her condition. In 2006, Garr suffered a brain aneurysm, a bulge in an artery wall that can burst and cause bleeding. She was in a coma for a week and underwent rehabilitation for two months to learn to walk, talk, and think again. Aneurysms affect about 5% of the population and can be life-threatening if they bleed. Despite her health struggles, Garr saw them as an "odd gift, " stating they made her stop and focus on life.