Hayley Erbert underwent brain surgery in December 2023 after being rushed to the hospital during a performance due to a bleeding in her skull. She was diagnosed with a cranial hematoma and had to undergo a craniectomy, a surgery that removes a portion of the skull. Since then, she has been on a recovery journey with updates being shared by her and her husband, Derek Hough. In April, they confirmed her return to dance on the “A Symphony of Dance” tour, with Erbert expressing gratitude for her healing journey and the opportunity to dance again.
After Erbert’s hospitalization, Hough shared updates on her recovery, with news of a cranial hematoma diagnosis and a craniectomy surgery. He expressed gratitude for the support and medical care received, highlighting the strength and resilience they have discovered during this challenging time. Erbert’s recovery has required another surgery to insert a skull implant to replace the removed portion, which was successfully completed. Despite the unexpected turn of events, the couple has remained hopeful and grateful for the community’s support.
A craniectomy is a surgical procedure that removes a portion of the skull to address blood pooling around the brain, as in Erbert’s case. A cranial hematoma occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, leading to blood pooling in the skull, which often happens after a traumatic event. Following her initial surgery, Erbert underwent another procedure to replace a significant portion of her skull. This surgery marked a milestone in her recovery journey, with hopes for a full recovery supported by the community’s love and positive intentions.
On February 5, Erbert shared an emotional update on her recovery journey through an Instagram video. She detailed the emergency craniectomy and subsequent cranioplasty surgeries she underwent in December, reflecting on the emotional and physical challenges she had faced. With gratitude for the progress she has made every day, she highlighted the love and well wishes that had helped her stay positive during her hospitalization. Erbert expressed her newfound appreciation for life, emphasizing the importance of spending time with loved ones and cherishing every moment.
Since her surgeries, Erbert has shown resilience and perseverance, with Hough praising her as a miracle. The couple celebrated their first year of marriage in August, taking trips and continuing to share updates on her recovery journey. Despite the ups and downs, Erbert remains grateful for the progress she has made and the support she has received. The experience has given her a new outlook on life, emphasizing the preciousness of each moment and the importance of holding loved ones close. Through their journey, Erbert and Hough have shown strength, hope, and appreciation for the community that has supported them.
