When Sarah McWhirter first experienced sudden dizziness and crippling headaches, doctors assured her it was simply vertigo. For seven agonising months, the 41-year-old mother from Ayrshire endured what she believed was a manageable condition - until the terrifying truth emerged.
The Symptoms Doctors Missed
Sarah's ordeal began with symptoms many would dismiss as minor inconveniences: intense pressure behind her eyes, sensitivity to light, and dizziness that made everyday tasks impossible. "I couldn't hang my washing out without feeling like I was on a ship in rough seas," she recalls.
Despite repeatedly seeking medical help, her concerns were consistently brushed aside as vertigo. The reality was far more sinister: a 7mm brain aneurysm threatening to rupture at any moment.
A Race Against Time
Sarah's breaking point came during a family holiday when her symptoms escalated dramatically. "I was in that much pain I was actually kneeling on the floor of the hotel room, banging my head off the floor to try and get rid of the pain," she describes.
Rushed to hospital, scans finally revealed the truth: not vertigo, but a cerebral aneurysm requiring immediate surgery. The procedure left her with life-changing consequences, including partial hearing loss and permanent balance issues.
The Warning Signs Everyone Should Know
Medical experts emphasise that while vertigo is common, certain symptoms should never be ignored:
- Sudden, severe headaches unlike any previous experience
- Dizziness accompanied by vision changes or eye pressure
- Symptoms that worsen rather than improve with time
- Balance issues that affect daily functioning
Sarah's message to others is urgent: "If you know something isn't right, keep pushing. You know your own body better than anyone." Her story serves as a vital reminder that persistent symptoms deserve thorough investigation, not dismissal.
