Young Waterford mum had just 1% chance of survival after stroke at 32

Emma Ryan was just 32 when she went to bed in February 2023, experiencing dizziness and awoke the next morning feeling nauseous.

Her life was saved by a friend who called to her house and rang an ambulance after realising she was slurring her speech.

“My friend rang me, but could not understand a word I was saying, so called over to my house. They knew something was wrong and called the ambulance,” said the mum-of-one from Butlerstown, Co Waterford.

Emma, now 34, was rushed to University Hospital Waterford and later Cork University Hospital, where it was confirmed she had suffered a stroke and had clots in her brain that required surgery.

While in theatre, she says she had a vision of her late granduncle Paddy and her mum's friend Imelda, who had died years earlier, urging her not to give up.

Following surgery, her speech began to slur again and she was rushed in for a second emergency brain surgery.

“The main risk was that this artery could collapse and then I’d be dead instantly.

“My parents were told that there was a 99% chance of death, and the one per cent chance of survival could result in me having locked-in syndrome,” Emma said.

Emma’s recovery is ongoing and involves regular hospital appointments and various procedures.

She has received physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy, but the experience has taken a toll on her mental health.

“When I came home from hospital, I had no job, no car and I couldn’t do any of the things that I used to be able to,” she said.

“People don’t understand, they tell me I look great, but they don’t know what’s going on inside.” 

Emma accessed many supports from the Irish Heart Foundation, including the Young Stroke Survivors’ Network, which connects her with others who can relate to her experience.

“Emma’s story highlights how important support is following a serious medical event like stroke,” said Helen Gaynor, the charity’s Head of Community Support Services.

“Alongside the stroke support services used by Emma, the Irish Heart Foundation has developed many new resources for stroke survivors, families and carers, including Step by Step through Stroke and the Main Signs of Stroke - all available on irishheart.ie."