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A woman who survived two strokes has said she once believed high blood pressure was simply something she had to live with and never realised it could almost cost her her life. Natasha Carayol, 40, from North London, suffered her first stroke in May 2022 after doctors confirmed long-term high blood pressure caused an aneurysm that led to a brain bleed.
She underwent emergency brain surgery and was left with significant physical effects, including weakness and slowed speech, meaning she had to relearn basic movements such as walking. The experience led her to reassess her life and career. Formerly a regional team manager and financial adviser, Natasha later chose to work freelance and pursue DJing after music helped her through her recovery.
In 2024, Natasha discovered she was pregnant and said she felt frightened about the possibility of another stroke. Despite being closely monitored during pregnancy, five weeks after giving birth in June 2025 she suffered a second stroke, again linked to high blood pressure.
Natasha, a mother of two, said she now lives with constant anxiety about her health and explained that strokes affect mental wellbeing as much as physical ability. Before 2022, she had been unaware of any serious health risks apart from being diagnosed with high blood pressure in 2010.
In the days leading up to her first stroke, she experienced severe headaches and extreme fatigue. After collapsing at work, she was taken to hospital where scans later revealed a brain bleed caused by an aneurysm. She was transferred to a specialist hospital and underwent emergency surgery the following day.
Recovery was long and challenging, requiring physiotherapy and speech therapy. After leaving hospital, Natasha relied on family support and struggled with the loss of independence. Music became a key part of her rehabilitation, helping her rebuild confidence and reconnect with herself.
She later travelled internationally as a DJ, performing across Europe, and felt her life was returning to normal before her unexpected pregnancy. After giving birth, complications led to intensive care treatment, and weeks later she suffered another stroke at home.
Natasha spent several weeks recovering in hospital while caring for her newborn daughter. She said her motivation to recover was driven by her desire to return home and be present for her children, although she described the second recovery as more difficult, with initial loss of movement and speech problems.
