In June of last year, 22-year-old Aubrey Hasley from Chicago experienced an alarming health scare that would change her life forever. It all began with an unsettling ringing in her ears, a phenomenon nearly impossible to ignore.

"It was really loud and scary, almost like a microphone too close to a speaker," Hasley recalls, now 23.

The Unfolding Nightmare

Following this alarming sound, Aubrey felt a migraine brewing, but it was unlike any she had experienced before. The symptoms snowballed, prompting her to seek emergency medical attention, where she would ultimately learn that she had suffered a stroke.

"I was terrified, praying for the best outcome," she said.

Recognizing the Red Flags

For years, Hasley had dealt with migraines accompanied by auras, so the initial ringing caught her off guard. Feeling dizzy and uncoordinated, her condition worsened as she found herself home alone. In a moment of panic, she texted her friends: "I think I’m having a stroke."

With a background in occupational therapy, Aubrey was more aware of stroke symptoms than many—yet she still couldn't fully accept that this was happening to her.

Emergency Room Chaos

When her brother arrived and rushed her to the emergency room, Aubrey struggled to walk. Initially, doctors treated her for vertigo, but as symptoms escalated—double vision, a drooping face, and slurred speech—they conducted further tests.

Despite a CT scan showing normal results, another scan confirmed her worst fear: a stroke.

A Life-Saving Thrombectomy

Due to the time delay in treatment, doctors decided a thrombectomy, a minimally invasive procedure to remove the clot, was the best option. Hasley remained awake during the procedure, describing the sensation as mere pressure rather than pain.

Stroke: A Growing Concern for Younger Generations

Traditionally associated with older individuals, strokes are now increasingly affecting younger people, especially women. Dr. Mohammad Anadani, who performed Hasley’s procedure, emphasizes that recognizing the signs—often summarized as F.A.S.T. (Facial weakness, Arm or leg weakness, Slurred speech, Time to call 911)—is vital.

Risk factors for young people differ significantly from those for older adults, including factors like family history, congenital heart conditions, and lifestyle choices.

Aubrey herself had a patent foramen ovale (PFO), a hole in her heart that allowed a blood clot to travel to her brain, causing the stroke.

A Transformative Experience

Aubrey's experience has profoundly changed her perspective as a healthcare provider. "Going through something traumatic has made me more empathetic and understanding as a future therapist," she explains.

Recovery and Reflection

Fortunately, Aubrey did not require rehabilitation and went on to have her PFO surgically repaired. Since then, she has noticed a significant reduction in her migraines.

As she pursues her master's degree, Aubrey acknowledges ongoing anxiety about her health but remains hopeful.

A Call to Awareness

Aubrey’s story serves as a crucial reminder: if you suspect a stroke, don’t hesitate. Trust your instincts and seek medical help immediately.

"I didn’t want to seem dramatic and waste anyone’s time, but we know our bodies—it's essential to listen to that," she advises.