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Young Woman's Rare Spinal Stroke Stuns Doctors
18 Apr
Summary
- A 26-year-old experienced a rare spinal stroke causing paralysis.
- Paramedics initially mistook her symptoms for a panic attack.
- She now faces extensive rehabilitation and uncertainty about recovery.
A 26-year-old recruitment consultant, Rebecca Waller, experienced a sudden and severe spinal stroke while working from home. What began as immense back pressure and pins and needles escalated quickly to paralysis from the neck down. This rare condition, accounting for only 1.25 percent of all strokes, struck unexpectedly, transforming her future plans.
Initially, paramedics who arrived at her Paddington home believed she was having a panic attack, a common misdiagnosis given Ms. Waller's age and the rarity of spinal strokes. Despite her inability to move her limbs, it took transport to Charing Cross Hospital and an MRI scan to confirm the spinal stroke. Doctors believe a dislodged disc fragment may have entered a vein, blocking blood flow to her spinal cord.
After three months in hospital and weeks in rehabilitation, Ms. Waller is slowly regaining some movement but faces significant uncertainty. The stroke has put her wedding plans on hold. She requires extensive rehabilitation, potentially private care, and home adjustments, prompting her family to launch a GoFundMe to cover these costs.
