A man was stunned when a visit to the GP for what he thought was a simple earache turned out to be something far more serious. Sharing his experience on TikTok from a hospital bed, hooked up to an IV drip, tradesman Adam revealed in a caption: “Turns out I had a brain aneurism, waiting to be transferred for surgery.”
His video quickly went viral, with hundreds of TikTok users expressing support and concern that their own ear issues could be indicative of a grave condition. One user inquired about his symptoms, responding: “Can I ask what your symptoms were? 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.”
Adam replied with a sobering story: “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.”
Another person commented with hope: “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 commended Adam’s decision to seek medical help: “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 individual recounted a similar experience, saying: “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 a subsequent video update, Adam told his followers: “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 who had gone through a similar ordeal replied: “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 person commented with support: “Thinking of you! You’re so lucky they found it in time to operate. Look after yourself! ! Hope you have a speedy recovery.”
What is a brain aneurysm?
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.”