Steve Lesniak went to the hospital after he was hit by a baseball during practice at Elk Grove High School. An MRI revealed a giant aneurysm lurking behind his right eye.
The aneurysm went undetected until three weeks ago. The 27-year-old history teacher and baseball coach was overseeing team practice late last month when one of his players hit a line drive.
"I moved my head to the side, expecting the ball to hit the screen, and it went above it and got me right in the side of the head," said Lesniak.
Lesniak briefly lost consciousness, but shook it off.
However, the school doctor determined Lesniak had a concussion, and at the encouragement of family and friends Lesniak underwent further testing.
An MRI revealed shocking news: Lesniak had an aneurysm nearly an inch in diameter that had probably been there for years.
Doctors at Alexian Brothers Health System used tiny coils to block off the blood flow to the aneurysm. It is possible it could shrink over time.
Lesniak was back on his feet in a couple of days and hopes to go back to work next week.
In the meantime, he is grateful for the mishap that more than likely saved his life.
For more on this story, check out our news partner The Daily Herald's website and The Daily Herald newspaper Tuesday morning.
