Woman, 22, Wakes Up With One Side of Her Face Paralyzed in Sudden Medical Emergency

Lillie Thorne, 22, was healthy and had no reason to believe anything was wrong when she woke up on October 2 with the left side of her face paralyzed. Her condition soon worsened, and she lost the ability to walk and speak.

It began when Lillie noticed that the left side of her face had drooped.

“What is so heartbreaking is that it is completely random, it came out of nowhere,” her aunt, Ashleigh Thorne, said, according to UNILAD. “She was fit and healthy before.”

The 22-year-old had reportedly felt completely fine before going to bed, with no indication that anything was wrong.

When she arrived at the hospital, doctors initially diagnosed her with Bell’s palsy, a condition that causes sudden weakness in the muscles on one side of the face, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Her Condition Took a Turn

A few days later, Lillie reportedly lost the ability to speak and walk, according to a GoFundMe page set up by her aunt.

“Lillie was admitted to Furness General Hospital, where she underwent numerous investigations. Following assessment by a neurologist, she was diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). During her admission, Lillie suffered multiple seizures a day, some leaving her unresponsive,” the fundraising page stated.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, Functional Neurological Disorder affects how the brain sends, receives and processes messages.

Lillie has since been discharged from the hospital but remains unable to walk independently. She has been referred for physiotherapy as she works toward regaining her mobility and independence.

Her Family Is Seeking Specialist Treatment

The GoFundMe page also explained the impact the condition has had on Lillie and her family.

“Although Lillie is strong-minded and has an incredible support network around her, this has understandably had a huge impact on her mental and emotional wellbeing, as well as her physical health. At just 22, facing such a sudden and life-changing condition is frightening and overwhelming.”

Her family has also faced significant challenges, as Lillie currently requires round-the-clock care. This has meant that some relatives have had to take time away from work to support her.

The family is now exploring specialist treatment and rehabilitation in Leeds after learning that Lillie does not meet the eligibility requirements for a specialist service in Liverpool.

The fundraising campaign aims to help cover the cost of private consultations and rehabilitation, while also easing the financial pressure on her family.

For Lillie and her loved ones, the focus is now on securing the specialist support she needs and helping her work toward greater independence.