A 20-year-old trainee police officer experienced a sudden headache while watching an episode of “24 Hours in Police Custody” and subsequently suffered a stroke shortly after. Esther Littlewood, who had diligently prepared for the detective constable programme, was thrilled to pursue her lifelong ambition of joining the police force. Despite being in excellent physical shape, Esther unexpectedly fell ill while viewing the TV show with her mother.
Following complaints of a severe headache, Esther took pain relief medication and retired to rest, only to become unresponsive when her partner tried to rouse her. Unbeknownst to her family, Esther had already endured two seizures while unconscious in bed, prompting a third seizure when emergency services were contacted. Rushed to Chesterfield Royal Hospital in Derbyshire, Esther was placed in a coma for five days and later diagnosed with a stroke caused by a patent foramen ovale (PFO), a heart defect that facilitated a blood clot passage to her brain.
Fortunately, Esther recovered fully and now advocates for increased awareness of the condition that nearly claimed her life. Recounting her experience, Esther expressed her passion for law enforcement and emphasized the abrupt onset of her health crisis, which led to her hospitalization and subsequent diagnosis of a stroke caused by a heart anomaly. Her recovery journey included a hospital stay and pending surgery to address her heart condition as a preventive measure against future strokes.
Reflecting on her ordeal, Esther highlighted the rarity of experiencing a stroke at her age and the impact it had on her life plans and independence. Despite the challenges she faced, Esther remains determined to educate others on the risks of PFOs and strokes in young individuals. She stressed the importance of recognizing symptoms and seeking medical attention promptly, underscoring the need for greater awareness and discussion surrounding these health issues.