Young Man in Maidstone Suffers Multiple Strokes and Brain Bleeds from Blood Clots After Week-Long Headache

September 10, 2025

A 23-year-old man is fighting for his life in a London hospital after a series of devastating strokes and a brain hemorrhage. Luke savage, of Maidstone, collapsed after experiencing severe headaches that culminated during a shopping trip on August 30th.

Sudden Illness, Rapid Deterioration

Mr. Savage initially reported a headache that persisted throughout the week. The symptoms escalated dramatically when he sneezed while at a Costco store, causing intense pain and eventually leading to vomiting. Despite returning home to rest, his condition quickly worsened.

Luke Savage prior to experiencing the stroke, as shared by his family.

The following day, Mr. Savage was able to walk and speak, but he soon began to experience a rapid decline, wiht the right side of his mouth drooping. His mother,Carly savage,recounted that he expressed fear for his life,saying,”He started to cry and said he didn’t want to die.”

Complex Diagnosis and Emergency Surgery

Initial assessments at maidstone Hospital suspected a brain bleed, while King’s college Hospital physicians believed blood clots were the primary issue. Subsequent investigations revealed both a hemorrhage and multiple clots. Surgeons at King’s College Hospital performed emergency surgery on September 2nd to relieve pressure on his brain by removing a portion of his skull.

Luke Savage with his partner,Ellie Donlon,just before putting a deposit down on a new home.

Despite the initial surgery,Mr. Savage experienced three additional strokes in the days that followed. Doctors have reported meaningful damage to the right side of his brain, which is irreversible, with some damage also present on the left side.

A subsequent surgery on September 8th aimed to remove further clots, and he remains in critical but stable condition. His family are desperately hoping for the best possible outcome.

Family’s Plea for Support

Mr.Savage and his partner, Ellie Donlon, had recently placed a deposit on their first home together. Now, his family is focusing on his recovery and the potential adaptations he will need. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help cover the costs associated with his rehabilitation. You can donate here.

Luke Savage pictured with his parents and sisters.

“He’s 23 years old. I just want him to have the best life possible,” said Carly Savage. “I want him to have the best recovery and he’s going to need things due to the severe brain damage he’s already got, which is irreversible. We don’t know what that is going to look like.”

The family describes Luke as a kind, humorous, and vibrant young man, and they are grateful for the support they have received.

Understanding Stroke and its Impact

according to the American stroke Association, stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability. In 2023, stroke caused more than 1 in 5 deaths from heart disease. Early recognition of stroke symptoms – such as sudden numbness or weakness, difficulty speaking, and severe headache – is crucial for prompt medical intervention. The FAST acronym (Face, Arm, speech, Time) is a helpful tool for remembering these symptoms.

Did You know? stroke can occur at any age, although it’s more common in older adults. Lifestyle factors like high blood pressure, smoking, and obesity significantly increase stroke risk.

Pro Tip: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, can significantly reduce your risk of stroke.

Stroke Type	Cause	Treatment
Ischemic Stroke	Blood clot blocking an artery to the brain	Thrombolytic drugs, mechanical thrombectomy
Hemorrhagic Stroke	Bleeding in the brain	Surgery, medication to control blood pressure

frequently Asked Questions About Stroke

• What are the main symptoms of a stroke? Sudden numbness or weakness, difficulty speaking, and severe headache are common signs.
• Is stroke treatable? Yes, timely treatment with medication or surgery can significantly improve outcomes.
• Can young adults experience strokes? While less common,strokes can occur in young adults due to various factors.
• What can I do to prevent a stroke? Maintain a healthy lifestyle, manage blood pressure, and avoid smoking.
• How long does stroke recovery take? recovery time varies greatly depending on the severity of the stroke and individual factors.

what are your thoughts on this heartbreaking story? Share your support for Luke and his family in the comments below.

What are the key differences between ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, and how did both manifest in the Maidstone case?

Young Man in Maidstone Suffers multiple Strokes & Brain Bleeds: Understanding the Risks & Recovery

A recent case in Maidstone, involving a young man experiencing multiple strokes and brain bleeds stemming from blood clots after a week-long headache, highlights the critical importance of recognizing stroke symptoms, even in younger individuals. While often associated with older populations, strokes are increasingly occurring in younger adults. This article, brought to you by Dr. Priya Deshmukh, delves into the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery process related to this alarming trend, focusing on blood clot-related strokes and brain hemorrhages.

Understanding Strokes & Brain Bleeds in Young Adults

Traditionally, stroke risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes were primarily seen in older adults. Though, lifestyle factors and emerging medical understandings reveal a growing incidence of stroke in those under 50.

Ischemic Stroke: The most common type, caused by a blockage (blood clot) restricting blood flow to the brain.This was the primary cause in the Maidstone case.

Hemorrhagic Stroke: Occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, causing bleeding. This can be due to weakened blood vessels (aneurysms) or high blood pressure. The Maidstone patient also experienced brain bleeds, indicating a perhaps complex situation.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Often called a “mini-stroke,” a TIA causes temporary symptoms similar to a stroke.Its a warning sign that a more serious stroke may occur.

Keywords: stroke in young adults, brain bleed, ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, TIA, blood clots, stroke symptoms, stroke risk factors.

The Role of Blood Clots in Stroke

blood clots can form in various locations and travel to the brain, causing an ischemic stroke. Several factors can increase the risk of clot formation:

Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): An irregular heartbeat that can lead to clot formation.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Blood clots in the legs can travel to the lungs and, less commonly, the brain.

Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): A hole between the heart’s upper chambers that didn’t close after birth, allowing clots to pass from the right to the left side of the heart and potentially to the brain.

Blood Disorders: Certain conditions can make blood more prone to clotting.

Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle contribute to clot risk.

Keywords: blood clots, DVT, atrial fibrillation, PFO, stroke causes, clot formation, stroke prevention.

Recognizing Stroke Symptoms: Act FAST

The acronym FAST is crucial for remembering the key signs of a stroke:

Face Drooping: is one side of the face drooping or numb?

Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb?

Speech Difficulty: Is speech slurred or difficult to understand?

Time to call 999: If you observe any of these signs, call emergency services immediately.

Additional Symptoms:

Sudden severe headache (as experienced by the young man in Maidstone).

Vision problems (blurred or double vision).

Dizziness or loss of balance.

Confusion or difficulty understanding.

Keywords: stroke symptoms, FAST, stroke recognition, emergency stroke care, stroke warning signs, severe headache.

Diagnosis & Treatment: The Stroke Unit Approach

Rapid diagnosis is vital. Medical professionals utilize several tools:

CT Scan: To quickly identify bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke) or rule it out.

MRI: Provides a more detailed image of the brain, helping to detect ischemic strokes and assess the extent of damage.

Blood Tests: To check for clotting disorders and other risk factors.

Treatment depends on the type of stroke:

Ischemic Stroke: Thrombolysis (clot-busting drugs like tPA) can be administered within a specific timeframe.Mechanical thrombectomy (physically removing the clot) is another option. As per the UKE (University Hospital Eppendorf, Hamburg) https://www.uke.de/krankheitsbild/schlaganfall.html, severe strokes are frequently enough treated in a neurological intensive care unit.

hemorrhagic Stroke: Management focuses on controlling bleeding and reducing pressure on the brain.

Keywords: stroke diagnosis, CT scan, MRI, thrombolysis, tPA, mechanical thrombectomy, stroke treatment, neurological intensive care, brain imaging.

Recovery & Rehabilitation after Stroke

Stroke recovery is a long-term process. Rehabilitation is essential to regain lost function and improve quality of life.

Physiotherapy: To improve movement and coordination.

Occupational Therapy: To help with daily living activities.

speech Therapy: To address speech and language difficulties.

* Psychological Support: To cope with the emotional