Nia Jones, a 42-year-old mother from Ruthin, Wales, experienced a terrifying medical emergency during a flight to Barcelona. After boarding the plane, she blacked out and woke up to discover she had been diverted to Paris. She was later diagnosed with a rare genetic condition that affects fewer than 100 people worldwide.
A Sudden Collapse Mid-Flight
Nia had just returned from a short trip to Paris with her daughter the day before and was heading to Barcelona for a city break. Shortly after takeoff, she collapsed. She recalled: "Everything went black. When I woke up, I was lying in the middle of the plane aisle with a thumping headache. Blurry faces came into view and a woman said gently that I was in Paris. I asked where my daughter was, as I thought coming home from there was all a dream. But then my partner, Bryn, came next to me and said I was safe."
Nia had fallen from her seat, her body jerking, and she briefly turned blue. The plane made an emergency landing in Paris, where she was stretchered off to a hospital for further tests.
Initial Tests Reveal Nothing
Despite multiple brain scans, doctors found no abnormalities. Nia returned to the UK via the Eurostar and was referred to a neurologist, who initially believed the episode was a one-off. However, six months later, she blacked out again at home. She said: "I had to give up my driving license in case it happened again. It was so stressful. Six months later, I blacked out again at home. In hospital, I was diagnosed with epilepsy, but my blood tests revealed my calcium levels were abnormally high."
A Rare Diagnosis
Further investigation led to a diagnosis of multiple endocrine neoplasia type four (MEN4), a rare genetic disorder with fewer than 100 confirmed cases worldwide. The condition causes mutations in tumour suppressor genes and increases the risk of developing tumours in endocrine organs such as the thyroid, pancreas, and ovaries. Nia said: "I was speechless. The consultant didn't know if it had caused my epilepsy, but my high calcium levels could cause seizures."
Surgery and Recovery
Nia underwent surgery to remove three of her parathyroid glands to regulate her calcium levels. Since the operation, she has not had a single seizure and has been able to regain her driving license. She added: "I have regular scans to check for tumours – but I'm doing well. I want to speak out about my condition, as it's so rare. People could be living with it without knowing. I'm proof that with the right treatment, there is chance to live a normal life."
