A 23-year-old paramedic was left paralyzed after cracking her neck caused a major artery to rupture. Natalie Kunicki, who works for the London Ambulance Service, suffered a stroke just minutes after hearing a loud “crack.”
At first, she thought nothing was wrong. But soon after, she collapsed and couldn’t move her left leg. “People need to know that even if you’re young, something this simple can cause a stroke,” she warned.
Doctors found her vertebral artery had burst, creating a blood clot in her brain. Natalie underwent surgery and has since regained some movement, but recovery has been long and painful. “Depression is common after a stroke. You lose your independence and dignity,” she admitted.
Now, Natalie is urging others to be careful when cracking joints, lifting heavy weights, or doing risky stretches. “Every minute counts when you have a stroke,” she said. Her story is a reminder that strokes can affect anyone—no matter their age. Do you think enough is being done to raise awareness among young people?
