From Migraine to Paralysis: A Radiographer's Medical Nightmare
Yusra Saad Khan, a dedicated mother of two daughters and a full-time radiographer practicing in the United Kingdom, has navigated a challenging medical journey that began with what she initially dismissed as a routine migraine. Originally from Pakistan and having relocated to the UK in 2018, Yusra brought with her seven years of clinical expertise. However, her professional background did little to prepare her for the life-altering events of November 25, 2025.
A Routine Day Turns Critical
The morning started ordinarily for Yusra, involving study hours followed by her clinical shift. As she completed her studies, a sharp headache emerged, which she attributed to her history of migraines. Taking paracetamol, she continued with her work responsibilities. The situation escalated dramatically during her drive home later that day.
The pain intensified rapidly, leading to immediate physical deterioration. Within seconds, her left side weakened and became numb, rendering her unable to grip the steering wheel. Facial drooping and slurred speech followed, accompanied by overwhelming fear and a racing heart.
Emergency Response and Hospitalization
Utilizing her car's voice feature, Yusra contacted her husband, expressing that something was seriously wrong. He urgently instructed her to stop the vehicle, despite being on a busy dual carriageway with fast-moving traffic. Simultaneously, Yusra dialed emergency services, her speech fragmented and unclear.
The response was swift: police secured the road, and an ambulance transported her to the hospital. By arrival at the Accident and Emergency department, her left side was completely paralyzed, and her speech was severely impaired. Every clinical indicator pointed toward a stroke.
Surprising Diagnosis: Hemiplegic Migraine and FND
After urgent assessments, scans, and consultations with multiple specialists, doctors ruled out a stroke. Instead, they diagnosed Yusra with hemiplegic migraine, a rare migraine variant that mimics stroke symptoms, including paralysis, facial drooping, and speech loss.
However, the diagnosis extended further. The severity of the migraine had triggered Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), a condition affecting how the brain communicates with the body. Yusra was admitted to the stroke ward for eleven days, during which she experienced complete paralysis on her left side, speech and swallowing difficulties, and dependence on others for basic tasks.
Understanding Functional Neurological Disorder
A neurologist explained FND to Yusra using a simple analogy: "It's a software problem, not a hardware problem." This means there was no structural damage to her brain, but the communication pathways between her brain and body had malfunctioned. When the brain becomes overwhelmed, it can shut down normal functions.
FND is a disabling condition that can manifest through various symptoms:
- Paralysis
- Speech difficulties
- Functional seizures
- Tremors and vision problems
- Memory issues and brain fog
- Extreme fatigue
Despite its severity, FND is 100% reversible, with recovery depending on symptom severity, rehabilitation consistency, and individual resilience.
Rehabilitation and Recovery Challenges
Rehabilitation became the cornerstone of Yusra's recovery. In the hospital, a multidisciplinary team including neuro-physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists played vital roles in helping her regain basic functions. After discharge, she continued rehabilitation with a neurologist and FND specialist.
However, access to NHS rehabilitation services for FND in the UK remains limited, with long waiting lists. Like many patients, Yusra has had to seek private treatment to obtain timely care. Weeks after discharge, she began experiencing functional seizures, another recognized complication of FND.
Progress and Hope
Nearly two months after the incident, Yusra's recovery is slow but tangible. She has regained sensation on her left side and can move her fingers and toes. While she still uses a rollator walker indoors and cannot venture outside independently, her speech is improving despite occasional stutters. Motion sickness currently limits her travel capabilities.
Yusra emphasizes that greater awareness, understanding, and access to timely rehabilitation are urgently needed for FND patients. Her experience underscores that with prompt medical care, dedicated rehabilitation, and unwavering support, recovery remains achievable.
As a radiographer associated with the NHS and a health awareness advocate on social media, Yusra Saad Khan's story highlights the critical importance of recognizing rare neurological conditions and the resilience required to overcome them.
