A British man living in Thailand was initially dismissed by doctors as having a hangover when he sought help for a severe headache after celebrating the Thai New Year. The symptoms turned out to be a life-threatening stroke that required emergency brain surgery.
Misdiagnosis of a Life-Threatening Condition
Michael Batten, 36, woke up on April 14 vomiting, in pain, and feeling 'extremely dizzy' after seeing in the new year. Believing he was experiencing his first-ever migraine, he went to a local hospital in Chiang Mai. However, doctors assumed he was simply hungover and sent him home with paracetamol and ibuprofen.
Michael, a teacher, said: 'They kind of downplayed it – 'you'd had a few drinks'. But I didn't even drink that much, I was home by 10pm. They were like 'you might be hungover', but I said 'I'm not hungover, something is wrong with me.''
After three more days of 'screaming in pain', he went to a different hospital, Chiangmai Ram, at 5am on Friday. A CT scan revealed a brain tumour, but subsequent MRI showed it was actually an ischemic stroke with a 4.5cm shadow at the back of his brain.
Urgent Brain Surgery
Michael was rushed to theatre for a craniotomy – where surgeons remove part of the skull – as his brain was dangerously swelling. He recalls doctors explaining that part of his brain 'fell out to breathe' after the removal. When he regained consciousness, he couldn't recognise anyone and took days to speak again.
Although he can now think and communicate normally, he has brain damage affecting his motor skills, co-ordination, and sense of direction – likely permanent. This may prevent him from playing seven-a-side football and coaching basketball at his school. With part of his skull still missing, any blow to his head could be fatal.
Financial and Emotional Toll
Michael now faces a staggering £16,000 medical bill after his insurer suggested he 'settle the expense directly with the hospital' while it examines his medical records. He claims the hospital is holding his passport 'ransom' over the bill, leaving him uncertain about visiting his mother in the UK.
A GoFundMe page set up by a friend has raised over £10,000. Michael said: 'I want people abroad, anyone in a position similar to mine, where the insurance are being difficult, I would like them to ask for help. We're a good community out here, and I don't want anyone having to do this on their own.'
He urges others to check their insurance coverage and seek help if needed.
