A man from California, Ian Applegate, found himself in a perplexing situation after a powerful sneeze led to an unforeseen sequence of events. The 35-year-old engineer experienced a sudden tear in an artery in his neck, resulting in a debilitating stroke that he described as “excruciating.” The incident occurred while Ian was preparing to drive, having just secured his 4-year-old son, Jon Cruz, in his car seat.
Ian shared his harrowing experience, stating, “I had just started the car. I sneezed three times, then the third time it caused this blinding headache and made everything spin.” The intensity of the sneeze caused his left side to go numb, accompanied by a sensation of pins and needles throughout his body. Recognizing the signs of a stroke, Ian recounted, “The pain was excruciating. I was very disoriented and throwing up.”
Rushed to the hospital, medical professionals identified a condition known as vertebral artery dissection, a result of the forceful sneeze that led to a tear in the artery supplying blood to Ian’s brain. The tear resulted in the formation of a blood clot, ultimately triggering the stroke. Ian’s sister, Vanessa, explained the severity of the situation in a GoFundMe campaign established to support the family’s medical needs.
Ian now faces a challenging road to recovery, requiring therapy to address speech and swallowing difficulties. Complicating matters further, his wife Jennifer is currently eight months pregnant with their second child, adding emotional strain to the already stressful situation. Ian expressed his fear of sneezing, stating, “I’m scared to sneeze now. My wife is eight months pregnant, and I want to be there for the delivery.”
With a strong determination to improve and reunite with his family, Ian remains hospitalized, hoping to return home in time for the new baby’s arrival. Despite the obstacles ahead, he remains positive, acknowledging the support and encouragement he has received from well-wishers. Vanessa highlighted Ian’s resilience, noting his unwavering commitment to recovery despite the challenges he faces.
As Ian perseveres through his rehabilitation journey, the outpouring of kindness and support from the community serves as a source of strength. His ultimate goal is to regain his health and independence to care for his growing family, embodying a spirit of resilience and hope amidst adversity.
