Young Glasgow woman had two strokes misdiagnosed as migraines

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 29 Oct, 07:44 · Archive

Micha Boon, 37, suffered two ischaemic strokes after months of neurological symptoms were repeatedly misdiagnosed as migraines by health professionals.

Micha Boon, 37, from Dumbreck in Glasgow, suffered two ischaemic strokes last year after months of neurological symptoms were repeatedly misdiagnosed as migraines. In April, after an episode that left her vomiting and unable to stand, paramedics assessed her and suggested a severe migraine. She was advised to follow up with her GP.

Over the following three months, Micha continued to experience daily head pain, dizziness, confusion and fatigue. She paid for a private MRI scan. On the day of her appointment to discuss the results, she developed slurred speech, facial weakness and difficulty swallowing—recognised stroke symptoms. Yet health professionals still attributed these to migraine. The next day she called paramedics again, and hospital investigations finally revealed she had suffered a stroke. She was told it was in fact a second stroke, having had one earlier that year.

Micha was subsequently diagnosed with two congenital heart conditions: a patent foramen ovale, commonly known as a hole in the heart, and a bicuspid aortic valve. Both can increase stroke risk. She is now backing the Stroke Association's 'Survival is Not Enough' campaign ahead of World Stroke Day, speaking about the lasting invisible effects of her brain injury. She said finding the right words takes longer than it used to, and whilst visible effects have improved, the invisible ones remain harder to explain to others.

How it is being reported

• Young Glasgow woman suffered two strokes after symptoms put down to migrainesMicha Boon, 37, was left vomiting and unable to stand during one episode last April.Glasgow Live · 29 Oct, 07:23
• Young Glasgow woman suffered two strokes after symptoms mistaken for migrainesGlasgow woman Micha Boon shares recovery from two strokes and invisible brain injury effects, backing Stroke Association’s Survival is Not Enough campaign.Glasgow Times · 28 Oct, 16:52

In this story: Micha Boon · Stroke Association · Glasgow · Dumbreck

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