A devoted father was left completely paralysed after what seemed like an ordinary headache turned out to be a life-threatening spinal condition.
James Smith, 34, from Manchester, initially brushed off his symptoms as a migraine before collapsing at home. Within hours, he was rushed to hospital where doctors discovered an extremely rare spinal stroke.
The Moment Everything Changed
"I just remember this blinding pain behind my eyes," James recalls. "One minute I was making tea for the kids, the next I couldn't feel my legs."
His wife Emma described the terrifying moment: "He slumped forward at the kitchen table. When the ambulance arrived, they thought it might be meningitis."
Rare Diagnosis
Neurologists at Manchester Royal Infirmary identified the condition as an anterior spinal artery syndrome - a type of stroke affecting just 1 in a million people annually.
"The blood supply to his spinal cord was completely cut off," explained consultant Dr Sarah Wilkinson. "Cases like James's remind us how fragile the human body can be."
Long Road to Recovery
After three months in intensive care, James has regained limited movement in his arms but remains wheelchair-bound. The former electrician faces years of rehabilitation.
"Not being able to play football with my boys is the hardest part," he admits. "But I'm determined to walk again."
The family have started a fundraising campaign for specialist treatment not available on the NHS. "Every small improvement gives us hope," says Emma.
Warning Signs
Doctors urge people not to ignore:
- Sudden, severe headaches unlike previous experiences
- Numbness or weakness developing rapidly
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Difficulty breathing
"With spinal strokes, every minute counts," stresses Dr Wilkinson. "James was fortunate his wife acted so quickly."
