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26-Year-Old's Spinal Stroke Misdiagnosed as Panic Attack

4/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Rebecca Waller, a 26-year-old from Paddington, London, suffered a rare spinal stroke while working from home.
Paramedics initially misdiagnosed her condition as a panic attack.
An MRI at Charing Cross Hospital confirmed the stroke.
Doctors said a fragment from her disc blocked blood flow to her spine.
The family launched a GoFundMe to cover additional costs while six weeks of NHS rehabilitation remain.

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Story summary

Rebecca Waller, a 26-year-old from Paddington, London, suffered a rare spinal stroke while working from home.
Paramedics initially misdiagnosed her condition as a panic attack.
An MRI at Charing Cross Hospital confirmed the stroke.
Doctors said a fragment from her disc blocked blood flow to her spine.
The family launched a GoFundMe to cover additional costs while six weeks of NHS rehabilitation remain.