Healthy woman, 25, had a stroke triggered by a contraceptive pill

Healthy woman, 25, had a stroke triggered by a contraceptive pill Healthy woman, 25, had a stroke triggered by a contraceptive pill

A healthy 25-year-old woman suffered a stroke triggered by the contraceptive pill after bungling medics failed to spot a telltale symptom.

Danielle Jones had attended her local GP practice on October 7, 2020 reporting intense headaches, nausea and sensitivity to light.

However, she also complained of suffering visual disturbances, known as aura, which is a key sign that a patient is at risk from a stroke.

Six months later, Danielle, from Rugeley in Staffordshire, began complaining of pins and needles and loss of sensation down her left side.

She collapsed on April 4, 2021 and was rushed to hospital where CT and MRI scans revealed she had suffered a stroke.

WHAT ARE THE CONTRACEPTIVE PILL'S STROKE RISKS?

The NHS lists a stroke caused by a blood clot as a potential side effect of taking the contraceptive pill though calls the risk 'very small'.

It says this 'affects up to 1 in 1,000 people using combined hormonal contraception like the pill'.

Doctors intending to prescribe the pill are expected to carry out tests and decide whether a woman is likely to develop blood clots or have a stroke if they start taking it.

Researchers from Loyola University in Chicago previously published a study confirming the link between the two but saying only there was the danger of a stroke caused by the brain's blood supply being blocked by a clot.

Blood clots may be more likely in women taking the pill because oestrogen – a main ingredient of contraceptives – boosts the number of clotting substances in the patient's blood.

This raises the risk of a clot forming anywhere in the body and, if it becomes dislodged and travels to the brain, it can cause a stroke.

Birth control pills, patches and jabs are thought to rise the risk of artery blockages by making blood more likely to clot.

The researchers stressed, however, that the threat was low among women without any risk factors for clotting such as high blood pressure and smoking.

Following her diagnosis, she instructed medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate her care.

The GP practice, through NHS Resolution, admitted there had been 'a failure to cease' Danielle's combined contraceptive pill.

It also admitted that had the pill been stopped, Danielle's stroke 'would have been avoided' adding it was 'very sorry for the shortcomings in care provided.'

Under UK Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use guidelines, a migraine with aura at any age of a person taking the pill was classed as a category four incident - the highest rating.

This means that it 'represents an unacceptable health risk and should not be prescribed'.

The practice apologised for the 'error', saying it was 'committed to learning, improving the quality of care and reducing the risk of this type of incident happening again'.

Danielle's lawyer Tom Fletcher said: 'The past three and a half years have been incredibly difficult for Danielle as she tries to come to terms with having had a stroke at such a young age and how this has impacted her life.

'While nothing will ever change what she's been through, we welcome the GP practice's admission and confirmation that it intends to learn lessons from what happened.

'We're now working with the practice to reach a settlement which will ensure Danielle receives the specialist care and support she needs to maximise her recovery.

'In the meantime, her story outlines the devastating consequences of stroke and how it's vital that patient safety is improved to help prevent others from suffering like Danielle.

'Danielle's case, in particular, highlights the importance of patients being under a doctor's care when it comes to the contraceptive pill.

'It's now readily available on the high street, with people able to pick it up from their local chemist, and there's a potential for this to cause issues for those taking it if they aren't appropriately monitored.'

Stroke symptoms: These are the signs to look out for

It can happen to anyone, of any age, at any time. It's vital to know how to spot the warning signs of a stroke in yourself or someone else. Using the FAST test is the best way to do this.

Face: Can the person smile? Has their face fallen on one side?

Arms: Can the person raise both arms and keep them there?

Speech: Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say? Is their speech slurred?

Time:If you see any of these three signs, it's time to call 999.

A stroke is a medical emergency. Always dial 999.

Other symptoms:

- There are other signs you should take seriously, including:

- Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, including legs, hands or feet.

- Difficulty finding words or speaking in clear sentences.

- Sudden blurred vision or loss of sight in one or both eyes.

- Sudden memory loss or confusion, and dizziness; or a sudden fall.

- A sudden, severe headache.

If you spot any of these signs of a stroke, don't wait. Call 999 straight away.

(Source: www.stroke.org.uk)

Danielle, 29, has shared her story as part of World Stroke Day, which took place on Tuesday.

Before suffering a stroke, Danielle worked as business development executive.

She also went to the gym twice-a-week and enjoyed socialising with friends.

Since her stroke, Danielle suffers fatigue and memory problems as well as physical problems.

She is engaged and relies heavily on her fiancé, Stuart, 29, and parents Mark and Kerry, aged 60 and 56, for support.

Danielle said: 'I'd never heard of anyone having a stroke at my age, so it came as a huge shock when I was told what had happened and it took a long time for me to comprehend what it could mean for my future.

'I had always enjoyed working out and seeing friends, but after the stroke I found it a lot tougher.

'Some days, I even struggle to just get out of the house and my mental health has really dipped as a result.

'I'm so thankful for the support I've had, but to this day I still wonder how different things would have been if my pill had have been stopped when it should have been.

'Sadly, I can't change anything, but I wanted to share my story and the signs to look out for.

'Not for one minute did I ever think my contraceptive pill could lead to a stroke, so I'm sure there are others out there also unaware.

'While I know I'll never fully be the same as I was before the stroke, all I want now is to get back to living my life as best I can.'

The main symptoms of a stroke can include a drooping face, arm weakness, slurred speech, confusion and migraines.

Read more
  • https://www.msn.com/en-sg/news/other/healthy-woman-25-had-a-stroke-triggered-by-a-contraceptive-pill/ar-AA1tcogC?ocid=00000000

Related

Putin admits Russia has hit rock bottom

Putin admits Russia has hit rock bottom

News
North Korean soldiers are already changing sides

North Korean soldiers are already changing sides

News
How to Throw a Thanksgiving Feast that Everyone Will Love

How to Throw a Thanksgiving Feast that Everyone Will Love

News
The Real-Life Origins of Monsters

The Real-Life Origins of Monsters

News
Healthy woman, 25, had a stroke triggered by a contraceptive pill

Healthy woman, 25, had a stroke triggered by a contraceptive pill

News
Soviet-era shadow resurfaces as Russians resort to stealing

Soviet-era shadow resurfaces as Russians resort to stealing

News
Trump will throw 15 to 20 million people out of the U.S.

Trump will throw 15 to 20 million people out of the U.S.

News
Liverpool boss Arne Slot breaks his silence on Erik ten Hag's Man United sacking - with Ruben Amorim set to take over at Old Trafford

Liverpool boss Arne Slot breaks his silence on Erik ten Hag's Man United sacking - with Ruben Amorim set to take over at Old Trafford

News