The habit of not tightening his neck changed his life: the 38‑year‑old man became paralyzed.

The 38‑year‑old Donald McAvoy had been hunching his neck for years due to neck and back pain. Living a healthy and active life, McAvoy did not think this habit could lead to serious consequences. However, the incident he experienced at the end of 2023 completely changed his life.

Pain Increased After Chiropractor Visit

McAvoy, who turned to a chiropractor for neck and back pain, said that during one session the neck area was treated. After the procedure he reported severe pain in his neck, and he continued to hunch his neck on his own to reduce the pain and stiffness.

McAvoy, stating that at the time he did not know this movement could be dangerous, said, “I had been doing it for years. I didn't think it was dangerous.he said.

Suddenly Became Unwell While Eating

In December 2023, while watching a football match at home and eating, McAvoy suddenly began to choke. He then experienced symptoms such as loss of vision, severe dizziness, loss of balance, and nausea.

McAvoy realized he could no longer control his body normally. Following the symptoms, he was rushed to the hospital.

Rupture Detected in Brain Blood Vessel

Doctors determined that McAvoy had suffered multiple strokes. Examination revealed a rupture in the vertebral artery, one of the vessels that carries blood to the back of the brain.

According to the doctors' assessment, the vertebral artery dissection that occurred could be a rare complication linked to manipulation of the neck region and a forceful neck flexion movement.

In a vertebral artery dissection, a tear can develop in the vessel's inner wall. The formation of a clot in that area and the resulting blockage of blood flow can cause a stroke.

McAvoy said he would have been much more careful had he known of such a risk earlier.

Stayed 24 Days in Intensive Care

At the hospital, a thrombolytic drug named TNK was administered to dissolve McAvoy's clot. An emergency intervention was then carried out to restore blood flow to his brain.

After the strokes, a tracheostomy was performed to facilitate McAvoy's breathing as his condition remained serious for an extended period. A feeding tube was also inserted to allow safe nutrition.

After receiving treatment in intensive care for 24 days, McAvoy was transferred to a rehabilitation center, where he stayed for another 24 days.

Had to Relearn His Basic Skills

After leaving the hospital, McAvoy entered a long rehabilitation process, receiving physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy for months.

Because of the fall's effects, McAvoy had to relearn how to stand up and walk, and he also received treatment to correct his speech and swallow safely.

The process he went through"his toughest battle of his life"McAvoy, who described it as "his toughest battle of his life", said he had to relearn many basic skills he had previously performed naturally.

After the fall, McAvoy said that losing his independence was one of the toughest periods for him. He noted that for a time he could not drive or work. He even said he did not know whether he would be able to walk again.

Some Health Issues Continue

Despite the time that has passed, it was noted that some of the problems McAvoy has experienced continue. Double vision, balance problems, fatigue, impaired depth perception, and numbness on the right side of his body are among the ongoing complaints.

McAvoy emphasized that the purpose of sharing his story was not to scare people. He pointed out that, based on his experience, people should take unusual symptoms coming from their bodies seriously.

McAvoy said that if what he experienced could help even a single person save their life, it would be worth describing this difficult process.