A relaxing morning yawn turned into a life-threatening nightmare for one British man, who has bravely shared his harrowing story to warn others. What began as a simple, everyday act nearly cost him his life.
Tom Middlehurst, a 33-year-old from the UK, experienced a sudden, loud crack while yawning one morning. In an instant, his jaw dislocated, locking his mouth wide open in a terrifying and painful state.
A Rapid Descent Into Crisis
Rushed to the hospital, Tom's situation quickly escalated from serious to critical. The dislocated jaw compressed a major artery, severely restricting blood flow to his brain. Doctors delivered a chilling diagnosis: he was suffering from a rare and often fatal condition known as a vertebral artery dissection.
"I was told I was hours away from a major stroke, or even death," Tom revealed. The medical team acted swiftly, placing him in an induced coma to stabilize his condition and prevent catastrophic brain damage.
The Long Road to Recovery
His fight for life was just beginning. Tom spent a gruelling ten days in the Intensive Care Unit, followed by an extensive period of rehabilitation. He had to relearn basic motor skills and cope with the lasting effects of the trauma.
The experience has left a permanent mark, both physically and mentally. He now lives with a heightened risk of future strokes and manages ongoing health complications.
A Vital Warning to the Public
Now, Tom is using his ordeal to raise awareness. While extreme, his case highlights the importance of taking unusual bodily sensations seriously.
He urges everyone not to ignore sudden, severe pain or strange symptoms: "If something doesn't feel right, please get it checked out. I never thought a yawn could do this, but it did. Listen to your body."
His story serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the incredible work of the NHS professionals who saved him.
