An 11-year-old girl who appeared to have food poisoning was actually suffering a stroke, her mother has revealed. Stephanie Smith from Wisconsin, US, said her daughter Aubrey began screaming in 'sheer terror' and pointing to her left ear before vomiting and losing consciousness.
Doctors initially suspected food poisoning, but a CT scan showed a large white spot on the girl's brain. Surgery revealed a clotted bleed that had stopped on its own. 'It was a stroke,' said Mrs Smith, adding that they were grateful it was not cancer.
Despite no physical side effects, Aubrey was left with crippling anxiety. Three years later, a routine scan found an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in the same spot. The abnormal tangle of blood vessels could have caused another stroke or brain haemorrhage if left untreated.
The family chose surgery. After 11 hours, the AVM was fully removed. 'My heart broke, but Aubrey told us she wasn't scared,' said Mrs Smith. 'Now she is thriving. I'm endlessly grateful for the surgeons and my courageous little girl.'
