When we think of a stroke, it is generally associated with the older population; however, it can affect people of any age and it is something of which medical professionals need to be mindful, both in terms of considering the risk and the warning signs.  

In a recent case, a GP Practice in Staffordshire failed to recognise a key sign that a 25-year-old woman was at risk of suffering a stroke, triggered by her contraceptive pill.  

Danielle Jones attended her local GP after suffering from intense headaches, nausea and sensitivity to light. She had also complained of visual disturbances, known as Aura, which is a tell-tale sign. The UK Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use guidelines state that a migraine with aura at any age of a person taking the pill was classed as a category four incident, this being the highest rating. This meaning that it represents an unacceptable health risk and should not be prescribed. In spite of this, Danielle continued to be prescribed her contraceptive pill.

Six months after attending the GP, Danielle began complaining of pins and needles and loss of sensation down her left side. After collapsing in April 2021, she underwent CT and MRI scans which revealed she had suffered a stroke.  

A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, which can significantly affect bodily functions. This disruption can lead to various symptoms and impairments, depending on the area of the brain affected, potentially impacting movement, speech, and cognitive abilities.  

The main symptoms of a stroke include face weakness, arm weakness and speech problems; there are still other signs such as: –  

• Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, including legs, hands or feet. 

• Difficulty finding words or speaking in clear sentences. 

• Sudden blurred vision or loss of sight in one or both eyes. 

• Sudden memory loss or confusion. 

• Dizziness or a sudden fall. 

• A sudden, severe headache 

Danielle now, 4 years later, suffers from fatigue and memory problems, as well as physical difficulties. She relies heavily on the support from her fiancé and family. Danielle’s case underscores the critical need for medication to be appropriately reviewed and for medical professionals to heed the risk of stroke, even in the younger population.  

The GP Practice has now admitted there had been ‘a failure to cease’ Danielle’s combined contraceptive pill. It was also found and admitted that, if the pill had been ceased, the stroke ‘would have been avoided’, as would the significant ongoing issues suffered by Danielle.  

If you or a loved one have experienced a stroke which you consider may have been avoidable, such as in circumstances like Danielle’s stroke, please contact our clinical negligence team on 01482 323697 to discuss how we may be able to help.