Oura Ring explores brain hemorrhage detection after investor push

Billionaire investor Bill Ackman suggested Oura examine whether its smart ring could detect brain hemorrhages. Data from his daughter’s device helped identify when her hemorrhage began.

Ackman, who leads Pershing Square Capital Management, detailed the incident in a post on X. His daughter Lucy, 26, suffered a brain hemorrhage in February. She underwent emergency surgery around 3 a.m., but later review of her Oura Ring data indicated the bleed likely started at 9 a.m. the day before—over 19 hours earlier.

“I only wish the ring had an alert for this kind of event,” Ackman wrote. “It could notify a family member if the wearer doesn’t respond.”

Oura CEO Tom Hale replied to Ackman’s post, confirming the company was already studying whether the device could detect such events. “I’m glad Lucy’s data provided useful information for her care,” Hale wrote. “We wish we had been able to predict what happened.”

He instructed his team to explore whether the ring’s sensors could identify early signs of a hemorrhage. When asked for additional details, Oura referred to Hale’s statement.

The ring monitors heart rate, sleep stages, body temperature, and movement, though its website states it is not a medical device and cannot diagnose or prevent conditions. The incident has prompted discussion about whether consumer wearables might help detect serious health problems early.

Lucy spent six months in the hospital after the hemorrhage. She was in a coma for weeks but has since regained cognition. Her recovery continues as she works to restore walking and speech.

Ackman also announced the Ackman Oxman Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to brain research and recovery. The effort, launched with his wife, designer Neri Oxman, aims to advance understanding of brain injuries. “We’ve seen firsthand that the brain can recover from severe damage,” he wrote. “More work is needed to prevent such losses.”

The Oura Ring remains a leading wellness tracker, though its capabilities have clear limits. While it offers sleep and activity insights, it cannot replace medical care.