Peep Show star Matt King reveals paralysis after suffering spinal cord stroke

Fans were quick to wish him well

King, 58, who is most known for playing Super Hans in Peep Show, explained the frightening incident that happened earlier this week, as he shared the news on social media for his followers.

“It’s true. I had a rare stroke of the spinal cord on Sunday”, he wrote.

“I was initially paralysed but was rushed to The Royal Sussex and the staff have been amazing.”

While his recovery is ongoing, King revealed that he has since regained some movement.

“Can walk again, a bit. My legs were jelly, man. It didn’t feel f***ing brilliant. Thank you for all the love and kindness”, he wrote.

As he continues his recovery following the medical emergency, fans have flooded his post with messages of support.

What is a spinal stroke?

“A spinal stroke is a type of stroke that stops blood flow in your spinal cord. Healthcare providers also call them spinal cord strokes, spinal infarctions or spinal infarcts”, according to Cleveland Clinic.

“Most strokes happen when a blood vessel in your brain is blocked by a blood clot or breaks (ruptures) and bleeds. The same issues cause spinal strokes, but the blockage or bleeding (hemorrhage) happens in your spinal cord.”

“Spinal strokes are very rare (less than 1% of all strokes). But they can still be fatal or cause permanent disabilities.”

What are spinal stroke symptoms?

A spinal stroke can cause lots of different symptoms depending on which part of your spinal cord it affects. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Sudden, intense neck pain or back pain
• Pain that spreads (radiates) from your back into your arms or legs
• Numbness or tingling in your arms or legs
• Muscle weakness (especially in your legs)
• Losing sensations like touch or noticing temperature changes
• Losing control of your pee (urinary incontinence) or poop (bowel incontinence)
• Paralysis