Gracie Broad, a 23-year-old woman from Wigan, experienced a terrifying ordeal when she was diagnosed with a rare condition while traveling in Perth, Western Australia. The pain she had been feeling for years on the side of her face led to the discovery of a large brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM), which was causing trigeminal neuralgia, also known as the ‘suicide disease’.
The diagnosis was a shock to Gracie, who was alone in Australia at the time. She described the experience as traumatic and terrifying, not knowing what was going on. With the support of her parents, she managed to find a specialist who recommended stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) gamma knife treatment to shrink the AVM. After flying back to the UK for treatment, Gracie underwent two rounds of surgery in Sheffield, which seem to have been successful in reducing the AVM.
Before receiving her diagnosis, Gracie had been told that her facial pain was due to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) from grinding her teeth. However, the underlying cause turned out to be the brain AVM pressing on a nerve in her face. The excruciating pain she experienced made it difficult for her to carry out daily activities like brushing her teeth or touching her face.
Despite the challenges she faced, Gracie is grateful for the care she received and the successful treatment she underwent. She hopes to return to Australia next year to continue her travels, free from the debilitating pain she had been living with for years. By raising awareness about her condition and raising funds for organizations like The Walton Centre and the Butterfly AVM charity, Gracie aims to support others facing similar health challenges.
In an effort to give back and support those who helped her, Gracie is organizing a charity music night in Wigan to raise funds for The Walton Centre and the Butterfly AVM charity. The event promises to be a night of fun and music, bringing the community together to support a good cause. Gracie’s positive attitude and determination to overcome her health struggles serve as an inspiration to others facing difficult circumstances.
Through her journey of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, Gracie has shown resilience and strength in the face of adversity. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance, seeking support, and raising awareness about rare health conditions. Gracie’s determination to overcome her challenges and give back to others in need is truly commendable, and her efforts to support medical research and patient care are making a positive impact in the community.
