Home / Health / Headache Misdiagnosed as Hangover Leads to Brain Surgery
Headache Misdiagnosed as Hangover Leads to Brain Surgery
14 May
Summary
- Initial headache and dizziness were misdiagnosed as a hangover.
- A CT scan revealed a 4.5cm shadow on the brain indicating a stroke.
- The patient faces a £16,000 medical bill and has his passport held.
A 36-year-old British teacher, Michael Batten, experienced severe headache, vomiting, and dizziness after celebrating the Thai New Year. Initially, doctors in Chiang Mai, Thailand, attributed his symptoms to a hangover and sent him home with pain medication. Batten, who had not consumed excessive alcohol, insisted something was seriously wrong.
After three days of intense pain, he sought further medical attention at a private hospital. A CT scan revealed a shadow on his brain, and subsequent MRI scans confirmed he had suffered an ischemic stroke with a 4.5cm shadow. This news was particularly distressing due to his father's fatal stroke in 2020.
Batten underwent an emergency craniotomy to relieve dangerous swelling in his brain. Following the surgery, he experienced temporary memory loss and speech difficulties. He now faces permanent motor skill and coordination impairments, potentially preventing him from returning to his former active lifestyle.
Compounding his recovery, Batten has a medical bill of £16,000. His insurer is reviewing his case, and the hospital is reportedly holding his passport due to the outstanding amount. A GoFundMe has been established to help cover his expenses.
