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999: Critical Condition: Stoke-on-Trent woman enjoying a second chance after treatment at UHNM

A 66-year-old woman from Stoke-on-Trent who was diagnosed with a life threatening brain aneurysm is enjoying her second chance at life after being treated at University Hospitals of North Midlands.

Vivienne Gilroy of Kingsley, Stoke-on-Trent, appeared in the latest episode of 999: Critical Condition – the Channel 5 documentary filmed exclusively at Royal Stoke University Hospital

She was admitted to Royal Stoke in November 2020 with a suspected stroke. Following tests and an MRI scan it was discovered she had suffered from a brain aneurysm requiring urgent surgery.

Today Vivienne, who works in insurance, said: “Over three days I suffered from a couple of dizzy episodes but naturally thought I had stood up too quick or was feeling the pressure of family life and running a business. The next night I woke up and the room was spinning and I literally couldn’t get up. My husband called 999, the paramedics checked me over and admitted me to Royal Stoke.”

Dr Sanjeev Nayak, UHNM Consultant Interventional Neuroradiologist today said: "Vivienne had a basilar artery aneurysm which carries a risk of death or disability in an event of rupture. We managed to successfully embolise this aneurysm with a WEB device which is one of the new treatments for brain aneurysms.

“Such procedures also carry their own risk of death or disability due to a potential stroke. However, we managed to successfully treat this aneurysm without any complications and I am glad to see that Vivienne has made a good recovery following the treatment."

In the episode Vivienne said she was looking forward to taking up the saxophone and while she is now recovering well, she is looking forward to learning the saxophone and wants to work backstage within the theatre industry once she is retired, something she knows she will make a reality in the future. 

She added:  “I have realised life is too short, so me and my husband have enjoyed holidays together, long weekends away and just taking time out to enjoy each other’s company.”

The episode of 999: Critical Condition featuring Vivienne can be view on My 5 at https://www.channel5.com/show/999-critical-condition

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