Student Dies After "Thunderclap" Headache Missed

Cian Everett, a 21-year-old politics student, died in January 2025 from a rare brain abscess, a complication of sinusitis, just 24 hours after complaining of a severe headache. He described his pain as a "thunderclap," feeling as though he had been "hit by a pile of bricks." Despite this, he was prescribed over-the-counter nasal spray for suspected sinusitis.

Mr. Everett, a healthy and active student, developed a 6cm abscess on his brain and acute meningitis. The inquest heard that he died at his family home in New Milton, Hants, from "raised intracranial pressure" due to the abscess. His brain's weight was significantly higher than normal, indicating the severe swelling.

Medical staff at an Urgent Treatment Centre had not reviewed notes from his previous 111 calls. The centre also excluded itself from treating "thunderclap" incidents due to a lack of equipment. Although a doctor believed his symptoms were improving, Mr. Everett passed away less than a day later.

Following his death, his family launched a foundation to support young people in need. The coroner confirmed the cause of death and stated that processes for reviewing 111 calls have since been changed.