Severe headaches can be an early warning sign of stroke and should not be dismissed. Illustration photo by Pixabay
A 20-year-old British trainee detective constable who suffered a sudden stroke despite being in good health is urging others not to dismiss vague warning signs such as severe headaches.
Esther Littlewood said her life changed abruptly in June 2025 when she developed an intense headache while watching television at home. Believing it was nothing serious, she took a paracetamol and lay down to rest, according to the Mirror.
Several hours later, her partner discovered her unresponsive in bed and rushed her to Chesterfield Royal Hospital, where doctors placed her in a medically induced coma for five days. She later learned she had suffered a stroke caused by a patent foramen ovale (PFO), a small opening in the heart that failed to close after birth, allowing a blood clot to reach her brain.
Littlewood has since made a full recovery, but says the experience was a stark reminder of how easily serious symptoms can be overlooked.
“From having just a headache to being unconscious having seizures is crazy. I can’t remember any of that. A stroke you think you’d see something on your face or arms but the only sign I had was a headache,” she told People.
By sharing her experience, Littlewood hopes to raise awareness among others who may unknowingly have similar conditions. “Look out for those symptoms. Check where the headache is. If you feel a pain in the side or back of the head, just get it checked.”
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