An Angus dad in his thirties was shocked when his migraine headaches were diagnosed as a stroke.
Stuart McCormack went for an eye test after suffering severe headaches, vision loss and pins and needles.
Optometrist Marc Funai recommended the 36-year-old should be seen at Ninewells Hospital and a CT scan revealed the dad-of-one’s symptoms were the effects of a stroke he had suffered days earlier.
The dad-of-one is keen to raise awareness throughout May for Stroke Awareness Month and has thanked those who helped him through this difficult time.
Stuart, who lives with wife Leeanne and their four-year-old son Shay, said: ‘I am not in any risk category for a stroke I am a healthy, young man who is active and doesn’t smoke.
“Everyone thought I was suffering from migraines, a stroke wasn’t even mentioned or on my radar before I visited Specsavers.”
An aircraft engineer with Aberdeen-based CHC Scotia, Stuart has now been placed on medication.
Stuart added: “I am so grateful to everyone who has helped me and my family and I can’t urge people enough to ensure they are going for regular eye tests.”
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is cut off and figures estimate that each year approximately 152,000 people in the UK suffer one.