Basilar Artery Stroke: The Warning Signs Daniel Didn’t See Coming
When people think of a stroke, they often imagine the classic symptoms — facial drooping, slurred speech, or one-sided weakness. But the basilar artery, which feeds the brainstem and cerebellum, behaves differently. When it blocks, symptoms can be subtle at first, then escalate with terrifying speed.
That’s what happened to 28-year-old triathlete Daniel Coggins, who went from finishing a morning run to collapsing on the bathroom floor within minutes. His story highlights the symptoms many people miss, the dangerous delays that can happen in emergency care, and the critical signs every family needs to know.
What Is a Basilar Artery Stroke?
The basilar artery is one of the most vital arteries in the brain. It supplies blood to areas responsible for coordination, balance, vision, swallowing, and consciousness.
When this artery becomes blocked — called a basilar artery occlusion — the results can be catastrophic. It’s one of the deadliest, most time-critical forms of stroke.
Common symptoms of basilar artery occlusion can include:
- Sudden dizziness or vertigo
- Severe imbalance
- Double vision or blurred vision
- Sudden headache
- Slurred speech
- Sudden collapse
- Limb shaking or full-body thrashing
- Loss of consciousness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Nausea and vomiting
Daniel experienced several of these in rapid succession — and like many young, fit people, he had no idea they pointed to one of the most serious neurological emergencies.
The Morning Everything Changed
Daniel’s day started the same way many active people begin theirs: a run with his wife. They jogged four miles, felt good, and returned home.
Then everything shifted.
After his shower, Daniel suddenly felt the room spin violently. He sat down on the toilet, trying to regain balance — but within moments, his body began thrashing uncontrollably. All four limbs were seizing, yet he remained conscious enough to call his wife for help.
Within minutes:
- He could no longer hold himself uprig
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