Vicki Purdey, a 37-year-old mother from Dorset, initially thought she was suffering from a common flu when she began experiencing symptoms such as fever and severe headaches in March 2024. However, her condition rapidly deteriorated over just 72 hours, leading to vomiting and migraines, which prompted her hospitalization at Poole Hospital. After undergoing tests and a lumbar puncture, doctors diagnosed her with viral meningitis.

Despite being discharged after a week, Vicki faced a recurrence of her symptoms and was readmitted to the hospital on April 15, where she encountered an alarming complication: she had completely forgotten how to walk. Medical professionals later identified her condition as functional neurological disorder (FND), which was triggered by the impact of meningitis on her brain function. This diagnosis highlights the complex interplay between physical and neurological health following viral infections.

Vicki's story emphasizes the importance of awareness regarding serious illnesses that can mimic more benign conditions like the flu. It also reflects on the significant impact that viral infections can have on mental and neurological health, urging both patients and healthcare professionals to remain vigilant about unusual or severe symptoms that may indicate a more serious underlying condition.