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A Tonbridge mum has been left severely disabled after doctors mistook a bleed on the brain for tonsillitis.
Christine Morgan received a home visit from her GP in January 2016 complaining of a severe headache and neck ache.
Four days later she was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery and would suffer a life changing stroke.
The 64-year-old, who is now reliant on a wheelchair, said: “The past few years have been completely devastating and I am now reliant on (my husband) Dave to do even the most basic tasks at home. I cannot wash, dress or go anywhere without Dave’s help."
The former hairdresser was colouring a client's hair at home when she suffered a severe headache and a painful ‘whooshing’ sensation from the back of her neck over the top of her head.
She sent her client home and the next day her husband of 44 years asked their GP for a home visit.
Dr Ravi Jumnoodo, who at the time practised at Warders Medical Centre in Tonbridge, visited her home and told her she had tonsilitis.
Mrs Morgan says she told the doctor she did not have a cough or sore throat.
'She completely misses her independence and dignity' James Morgan, Christine's son
She added: "I even remember looking in a mirror and seeing that my tonsils looked normal. To find out afterwards that I had in fact suffered a really serious brain haemorrhage was devastating."
Lawyers acting on his behalf say the GP should have suspected Mrs Morgan had suffered a bleed on the brain and arranged for her to be "urgently admitted to hospital for investigation of her symptoms".
However, they argue Dr Jumnoodo's failure to refer his patient to hospital was not responsible for her suffering a stroke and subsequent injuries.
With her symptoms worsening, Mrs Morgan dialled 111 and an out of hours assessment was carried out.
Following that assessment she was rushed to hospital.
She would not leave for two months, spending weeks at a rehabilitation unit.
Three years on from her stroke, Mrs Morgan continues to suffer with severe weakness in her left side and can only walk sort distances.
The Tonbridge mum said: "I can no longer work which is really sad because my work as a hairdresser really made me happy. My clients were more than just clients.
"They were my friends and I had known some of them for 30 or 40 years and used to enjoy going out with them."
"Dr Jumnoodoo missed a chance to send me to hospital earlier – if he had done so I would have had surgery much sooner than I did. I will never know for certain what difference this might have made but I want to ensure that other people are aware of the early signs of a subarachnoid haemorrhage.”
Christine’s eldest son, James, 40, added: "Mum was always the life and soul of any party and gathering. She was, and still aims to be the most glamorous lady you could meet. Her looks, style and mostly her shoes were always her biggest statement. Big blonde hair, killer heels and a smile that would light up the room.
"Holidays and shopping were always mum’s favourite past times. Her and dad used to really enjoy incredible cruises and trips to the Caribbean.
"Now life now couldn’t be more different. She still has the same desire to make everyone happy and wants to be as glamourous as ever and she is – but she completely misses her independence and dignity being mostly wheelchair bound.
"Sadly mum’s life will never be what it once was but we as a family are really keen to raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis of strokes caused by brain aneurysms, known as subarachnoid haemorrhages, so other people can recognise the signs.
"Mum is such a positive person and is keen to use her story to help others. The tenacity and resilience she has shown despite her disability is testament to her strong spirit – and something my family and I want to highlight during Stroke Awareness month."
Leena Savjani, the partner and medical negligence expert at Irwin Mitchell’s London office who is acting for Christine, said: "Christine has faced an incredibly difficult few years and the impact of what happened continues to have a profound impact on her and her family.
"The symptoms Christine experienced are the classic signs of a potential sub-arachnoid haemorrhage and warranted urgent hospital admission for further investigation and treatment.
"Her story is a reminder of the importance for all medical professionals to be aware of the signs of a stroke and take appropriate action at all times.
"We will continue to support Christine and her family to help them come to terms with what happened."
Warders Medical Centre declined our offer to comment.
