'I went to the GP with earache - it turned out to be something much more sinister'
A man who visited the GP believing he was suffering from a straightforward earache was left in shock after receiving an entirely different diagnosis.
Tradesmen Adam took to TikTok to share a short video from a hospital bed, where he was hooked up to an intravenous drip. Raising his eyebrow, he penned in a caption: "Turns out I had a brain aneurism, waiting to be transferred for surgery."
His clip went viral, with hundred of TikTok users offering a mixture of support and self-paranoia that their own ear problems may be the result of something much more sinister too. "Can I ask what your symptoms were?" one person questioned. "I've had a bad ear since the week before Christmas, drops and antibiotics, went back yesterday, still no better with pain, referred to ENT but told there's quite a wait."
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In response to other queries, meanwhile, Adam shared a worrying anecdote: "My mother died from one in her early 40s. I have been lucky as I had symptoms with an horrendous headache, but my mother had no symptoms - just dropped and that was it."
A second person penned optimistically: "Don’t worry. At least they found it before it ruptured! They’ll fix you right up. I’m still going strong 12 years after mine. Count your blessings." A third praised Adam: "Well done for going to the doctors, most men wouldn't. Good luck for surgery, my partner had a brain aneurysm, he was lucky it happened outside hospital or he wouldn't be alive now."
Whilst a fourth shared a similar tale: "Same for me. I thought bad ear ache and diagnosed with a 5mm Annie. Procedure is January 30th. Hope all is going well for you."
In an update video, meanwhile, Adam added: "I'm still in hospital and can't leave the bed. I've had a bleed on the brain and I'm going to have surgery on Monday (January 27) so they can investigate a bit further and see what we need to do."
A TikTok user responded: "I had a brain aneurysm last year, it was such a shock to me. I had the worst pain in my eye and head. I also wasn’t allowed out of bed. I ended up having 22 coils in it. I’m wishing you luck." And a second wrote: "Thinking of you! You’re so lucky they found it in time to operate. Look after yourself!! Hope you have a speedy recovery."
The NHS' advice on brain aneurysms is as follows:
"A brain aneurysm rarely causes any symptoms unless it bursts (ruptures). Unruptured brain aneurysms occasionally cause symptoms if they're particularly large or press against tissues or nerves inside the brain.
Symptoms of an unruptured brain aneurysm can include:
visual disturbances, such as loss of vision or double vision
pain above or around your eye
numbness or weakness on 1 side of your face
difficulty speaking
headaches
loss of balance
difficulty concentrating or problems with short-term memory
You should see a GP as soon as possible if you experience symptoms of an unruptured brain aneurysm. Although most aneurysms will not rupture, it's important to get it checked in case treatment is necessary."