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Basilar Artery Stroke: How Daniel Found Strength, Faith, and Recovery After Collapse
Manage episode 521313759 series 2807478
Content provided by Recovery After Stroke. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Recovery After Stroke or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.
Basilar Artery Stroke: The Warning Signs Daniel Didn’t See Coming
When people think of a stroke, they often imagine the classic symptoms — facial drooping, slurred speech, or one-sided weakness. But the basilar artery, which feeds the brainstem and cerebellum, behaves differently. When it blocks, symptoms can be subtle at first, then escalate with terrifying speed.
That’s what happened to 28-year-old triathlete Daniel Coggins, who went from finishing a morning run to collapsing on the bathroom floor within minutes. His story highlights the symptoms many people miss, the dangerous delays that can happen in emergency care, and the critical signs every family needs to know.
What Is a Basilar Artery Stroke?
The basilar artery is one of the most vital arteries in the brain. It supplies blood to areas responsible for coordination, balance, vision, swallowing, and consciousness.
When this artery becomes blocked — called a basilar artery occlusion — the results can be catastrophic. It’s one of the deadliest, most time-critical forms of stroke.
Common symptoms of basilar artery occlusion can include:
- Sudden dizziness or vertigo
- Severe imbalance
- Double vision or blurred vision
- Sudden headache
- Slurred speech
- Sudden collapse
- Limb shaking or full-body thrashing
- Loss of consciousness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Nausea and vomiting
Daniel experienced several of these in rapid succession — and like many young, fit people, he had no idea they pointed to one of the most serious neurological emergencies.
The Morning Everything Changed
Daniel’s day started the same way many active people begin theirs: a run with his wife. They jogged four miles, felt good, and returned home.
Then everything shifted.
After his shower, Daniel suddenly felt the room spin violently. He sat down on the toilet, trying to regain balance — but within moments, his body began thrashing uncontrollably. All four limbs were seizing, yet he remained conscious enough to call his wife for help.
Within minutes:
- He could no longer hold himself upright.
- He lost all strength.
- His speech began to deteriorate.
- His body became a “dead weight.”
These symptoms are classic for vertebrobasilar stroke, but because they can mimic dehydration, vertigo, heat stroke, or even a seizure, many survivors — and medical staff — don’t immediately recognise what’s happening.
The Danger of Misdiagnosis
Even when paramedics arrived, they suspected dehydration or heat exhaustion.
At the hospital, Daniel sat in the waiting room — actively deteriorating — because his symptoms didn’t fit the stereotypical stroke picture.
This is far more common than people realise.
Basilar artery strokes can be missed because:
- They often don’t involve one-sided weakness.
- They may begin with dizziness, which is easy to dismiss.
- Motor activity (like thrashing) can look like a seizure.
- Young, healthy people are often assumed to be “low risk.”
But as Daniel’s story shows, healthy, athletic people can and do experience severe strokes.
When the Stroke Was Finally Identified
Once he was finally assessed, everything changed.
Scans revealed a large clot in the basilar artery. Without immediate intervention, this type of stroke can lead to brainstem compression, coma, or death.
Doctors acted fast:
- They performed an emergency clot retrieval.
- Hours later, they noticed severe swelling in his brain.
- A nurse practitioner pushed for an earlier scan — a decision that saved Daniel’s life.
- He was rushed for an emergency craniotomy, removing part of his skull to relieve pressure.
The entire left cerebellum had been damaged beyond recovery.
Daniel was placed in intensive care for two weeks, and his memory of the early days disappears almost entirely — a typical experience after severe cerebellar injury.
Basilar Artery Occlusion Symptoms: Why They’re Often Misunderstood
Daniel’s case highlights a critical problem:
Many people don’t know the early signs of a vertebrobasilar stroke.
Typical early symptoms include:
1. Sudden vertigo or dizziness
A major red flag, especially when paired with nausea or imbalance.
2. Loss of coordination
Because the cerebellum is involved, clumsiness, staggering, or sudden unsteadiness often appear early.
3. Irregular limb movements
Thrashing, shaking, or seizure-like activity is more common than most realise.
4. Loss of strength or collapse
This can happen without warning.
5. Sudden slurred speech
Even without facial droop.
6. Difficulty staying conscious or alert
Changes in awareness should be treated as an emergency.
If someone experiences even one of these symptoms suddenly, especially after exertion or illness, it’s time to call emergency services immediately.
Life After a Basilar Artery Stroke
Daniel entered rehab with significant deficits:
- He couldn’t swallow.
- He couldn’t walk or stand.
- His speech was severely slurred.
- His left hand and arm lost fine motor function.
- His emotions were hard to regulate due to cerebellar damage.
Yet he kept going.
Months later, he returned to hiking — even completing a 2,000-ft elevation trail. He completed a triathlon relay, swimming the opening segment. He returned to work and leadership roles within his community.
The cerebellum’s plasticity is remarkable, and Daniel is living proof of how far survivors can come — even when early scans look devastating.
Why Awareness Matters
Basilar artery strokes are rare but extremely dangerous.
Early recognition is everything.
Daniel’s story is more than a medical case — it’s a reminder that:
- Not all strokes look the same.
- Young, fit people are not immune.
- Dizziness + collapse is a stroke until proven otherwise.
- Advocacy from nurses, partners, and family saves lives.
- Recovery is possible, even after severe cerebellar damage.
And for anyone experiencing the uncertainty and fear of early recovery: your story isn’t over.
“Basilar artery strokes don’t always look like strokes.
But when they’re missed, the consequences can be devastating.”
Daniel’s experience shows why early symptoms like dizziness, collapse, or limb thrashing must be taken seriously. Every survivor who learns the signs helps protect someone else.
And every story shared helps another survivor feel less alone.
Disclaimer (Footer Required)
This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your health or recovery plan.
From Collapse to Craniotomy: Daniel Coggins’ Basilar Artery Stroke Story
Daniel’s basilar artery stroke changed everything, yet what he discovered about faith, healing, and resilience may surprise you.
Support The Recovery After Stroke Podcast on Patreon
Highlights:
00:00 Introduction and Background
04:05 The Day of the Basilar Artery Stroke
10:31 Emergency Response and Hospitalization
14:18 The Impact of the Stroke
22:08 Learning to Accept Help
27:40 Personal Growth and Reflection
38:02 Finding Peace Amidst Chaos
43:12 Navigating Emotional Challenges Post-Stroke
51:31 Finding Purpose in Pain
56:40 Heightened Emotional Sensitivity as a Gift
01:02:01 Sharing Stories and Raising Awareness
01:12:53 Life After Stroke: Embracing New Beginnings
01:15:52 Advice for Stroke Survivors
01:20:03 The Dichotomy of Support and Loneliness
01:25:36 Celebrating Progress and Achievements
The transcript will be available soon…
The post Basilar Artery Stroke: How Daniel Found Strength, Faith, and Recovery After Collapse appeared first on Recovery After Stroke.
301 episodes
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Manage episode 521313759 series 2807478
Content provided by Recovery After Stroke. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Recovery After Stroke or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.
Basilar Artery Stroke: The Warning Signs Daniel Didn’t See Coming
When people think of a stroke, they often imagine the classic symptoms — facial drooping, slurred speech, or one-sided weakness. But the basilar artery, which feeds the brainstem and cerebellum, behaves differently. When it blocks, symptoms can be subtle at first, then escalate with terrifying speed.
That’s what happened to 28-year-old triathlete Daniel Coggins, who went from finishing a morning run to collapsing on the bathroom floor within minutes. His story highlights the symptoms many people miss, the dangerous delays that can happen in emergency care, and the critical signs every family needs to know.
What Is a Basilar Artery Stroke?
The basilar artery is one of the most vital arteries in the brain. It supplies blood to areas responsible for coordination, balance, vision, swallowing, and consciousness.
When this artery becomes blocked — called a basilar artery occlusion — the results can be catastrophic. It’s one of the deadliest, most time-critical forms of stroke.
Common symptoms of basilar artery occlusion can include:
- Sudden dizziness or vertigo
- Severe imbalance
- Double vision or blurred vision
- Sudden headache
- Slurred speech
- Sudden collapse
- Limb shaking or full-body thrashing
- Loss of consciousness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Nausea and vomiting
Daniel experienced several of these in rapid succession — and like many young, fit people, he had no idea they pointed to one of the most serious neurological emergencies.
The Morning Everything Changed
Daniel’s day started the same way many active people begin theirs: a run with his wife. They jogged four miles, felt good, and returned home.
Then everything shifted.
After his shower, Daniel suddenly felt the room spin violently. He sat down on the toilet, trying to regain balance — but within moments, his body began thrashing uncontrollably. All four limbs were seizing, yet he remained conscious enough to call his wife for help.
Within minutes:
- He could no longer hold himself upright.
- He lost all strength.
- His speech began to deteriorate.
- His body became a “dead weight.”
These symptoms are classic for vertebrobasilar stroke, but because they can mimic dehydration, vertigo, heat stroke, or even a seizure, many survivors — and medical staff — don’t immediately recognise what’s happening.
The Danger of Misdiagnosis
Even when paramedics arrived, they suspected dehydration or heat exhaustion.
At the hospital, Daniel sat in the waiting room — actively deteriorating — because his symptoms didn’t fit the stereotypical stroke picture.
This is far more common than people realise.
Basilar artery strokes can be missed because:
- They often don’t involve one-sided weakness.
- They may begin with dizziness, which is easy to dismiss.
- Motor activity (like thrashing) can look like a seizure.
- Young, healthy people are often assumed to be “low risk.”
But as Daniel’s story shows, healthy, athletic people can and do experience severe strokes.
When the Stroke Was Finally Identified
Once he was finally assessed, everything changed.
Scans revealed a large clot in the basilar artery. Without immediate intervention, this type of stroke can lead to brainstem compression, coma, or death.
Doctors acted fast:
- They performed an emergency clot retrieval.
- Hours later, they noticed severe swelling in his brain.
- A nurse practitioner pushed for an earlier scan — a decision that saved Daniel’s life.
- He was rushed for an emergency craniotomy, removing part of his skull to relieve pressure.
The entire left cerebellum had been damaged beyond recovery.
Daniel was placed in intensive care for two weeks, and his memory of the early days disappears almost entirely — a typical experience after severe cerebellar injury.
Basilar Artery Occlusion Symptoms: Why They’re Often Misunderstood
Daniel’s case highlights a critical problem:
Many people don’t know the early signs of a vertebrobasilar stroke.
Typical early symptoms include:
1. Sudden vertigo or dizziness
A major red flag, especially when paired with nausea or imbalance.
2. Loss of coordination
Because the cerebellum is involved, clumsiness, staggering, or sudden unsteadiness often appear early.
3. Irregular limb movements
Thrashing, shaking, or seizure-like activity is more common than most realise.
4. Loss of strength or collapse
This can happen without warning.
5. Sudden slurred speech
Even without facial droop.
6. Difficulty staying conscious or alert
Changes in awareness should be treated as an emergency.
If someone experiences even one of these symptoms suddenly, especially after exertion or illness, it’s time to call emergency services immediately.
Life After a Basilar Artery Stroke
Daniel entered rehab with significant deficits:
- He couldn’t swallow.
- He couldn’t walk or stand.
- His speech was severely slurred.
- His left hand and arm lost fine motor function.
- His emotions were hard to regulate due to cerebellar damage.
Yet he kept going.
Months later, he returned to hiking — even completing a 2,000-ft elevation trail. He completed a triathlon relay, swimming the opening segment. He returned to work and leadership roles within his community.
The cerebellum’s plasticity is remarkable, and Daniel is living proof of how far survivors can come — even when early scans look devastating.
Why Awareness Matters
Basilar artery strokes are rare but extremely dangerous.
Early recognition is everything.
Daniel’s story is more than a medical case — it’s a reminder that:
- Not all strokes look the same.
- Young, fit people are not immune.
- Dizziness + collapse is a stroke until proven otherwise.
- Advocacy from nurses, partners, and family saves lives.
- Recovery is possible, even after severe cerebellar damage.
And for anyone experiencing the uncertainty and fear of early recovery: your story isn’t over.
“Basilar artery strokes don’t always look like strokes.
But when they’re missed, the consequences can be devastating.”
Daniel’s experience shows why early symptoms like dizziness, collapse, or limb thrashing must be taken seriously. Every survivor who learns the signs helps protect someone else.
And every story shared helps another survivor feel less alone.
Disclaimer (Footer Required)
This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your health or recovery plan.
From Collapse to Craniotomy: Daniel Coggins’ Basilar Artery Stroke Story
Daniel’s basilar artery stroke changed everything, yet what he discovered about faith, healing, and resilience may surprise you.
Support The Recovery After Stroke Podcast on Patreon
Highlights:
00:00 Introduction and Background
04:05 The Day of the Basilar Artery Stroke
10:31 Emergency Response and Hospitalization
14:18 The Impact of the Stroke
22:08 Learning to Accept Help
27:40 Personal Growth and Reflection
38:02 Finding Peace Amidst Chaos
43:12 Navigating Emotional Challenges Post-Stroke
51:31 Finding Purpose in Pain
56:40 Heightened Emotional Sensitivity as a Gift
01:02:01 Sharing Stories and Raising Awareness
01:12:53 Life After Stroke: Embracing New Beginnings
01:15:52 Advice for Stroke Survivors
01:20:03 The Dichotomy of Support and Loneliness
01:25:36 Celebrating Progress and Achievements
The transcript will be available soon…
The post Basilar Artery Stroke: How Daniel Found Strength, Faith, and Recovery After Collapse appeared first on Recovery After Stroke.
301 episodes
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