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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Orlaith Clinton

Northern Ireland teen's headache at the cinema was warning sign for 'catastrophic' brain bleed

The family of a Co Antrim teenager has been overwhelmed by the generous response to their fundraising appeal to help their daughter and sister.

Eibhlin Totten suffered a severe bleed to the brain in July of last year, which left her in intensive care for six weeks, needing several surgeries.

A bright, happy-go-lucky young woman, Eibhlin was unaware that her health was in jeopardy, until she took a headache when she was at the cinema with her friends - a headache which prompted her to phone her brother Matthew.

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When Matthew arrived, he found his sister in an unresponsive state, called an ambulance and began to perform CPR with the assistance of the emergency services operator and a bystander.

Eibhlin's brother Odhran said: "Eibhlin was rushed to Antrim A&E and after CT Scan and medical assessment, the consultant told us ‘Eibhlin has had a catastrophic bleed in the brain, it’s really bad news’. Shortly after this she was blue lighted to the Royal for immediate surgery.

"She spent six weeks in intensive care, followed by many more weeks in the neurosurgical ward where she had further surgery and scans. She was subsequently transferred to the Regional Acquired Brain Injury Unit at Musgrave Park where she has remained to this day, under the excellent care of the rehab team.

"We are now nine months down the line and over the last two to three months Eibhlin has shown signs of excellent recovery. She is speaking and, under supervision eating solid foods now once again, which we are all very pleased about. Indeed her determination to get well has inspired everyone who has had the privilege to look after her.

"She is still in there, wits and sense of humour intact! After six months, Eibhlin regained her ability to speak, and is now very vocal about what she thinks and wants. She just struggles with daily tasks now and so far is unable to walk, though we remain hopeful.

"She has a long way to go and on discharge, she will require round the clock care.

"Eibhlin has received the best care we could hope for, from start to finish the care she has received has been second to none and the attention she is getting in the RABUI unit at Musgrave Hospital is exactly what she needs.

From the very start, the family have insisted that Eibhlin will come home no matter what.

"And Eibhlin's newfound strength and enthusiasm for her rehabilitation has brought that reality closer than we could reasonably have hoped for to begin with."

Planning has now begun for Eibhlin's discharge back to her family at home - but this will need an annex built onto the home so that her needs can be met and she can remain comfortable.

The Totten family say their prayer is that Eibhlin will be able to live an independent life in the future, however they've been told that it will take up to two years for her to achieve full potential.

Eibhlin Totten (Submitted)

"At this time an annex tailored to her needs gives her the best chance of achieving this. Planning has been approved for the build but the financial implications for the family are huge," Odhran continued.

"Many family and friends have been immensely supportive over the last nine months and many others have expressed a wish to help in whatever way they can. This Go Fund Me has been set up for anyone who wishes to help.

"Every contribution helps and some friends of Eibhlin and her brothers and sisters have already agreed to contribute through, for example, sponsored marathons and fun runs. Any initiative is welcome.

"An initial funding target of £20,000 is subject to change since building estimates have yet to be submitted and also there is the possibility of disabled facilities grant aid.

Eibhlin has shown signs of excellent recovery (Submitted)

"We are not ones to ask for help, but now that we finally know what Eibhlin will need, we are asking. We hope to raise funds to help with the disabled access annex. And also to cater for any further professional care Eibhlin will require upon discharge from hospital."

It's just over a week now since the Go Fund Me was published and over £17,000 has been donated to the family's cause so far, from friends and strangers who were inspired by Eibhlin's story.

Overwhelmed by the generosity of donations, the family said: "We truly appreciate everything people have done for us up to this point, we are so grateful to have such wonderful people around us."

To donate to help the Totten family, please follow this link.

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