Stroke Patient Mistaken for Drunk, Care Delayed

Published: 18 November 2025 Tuesday. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

A 22-year-old man has suffered life-altering consequences after paramedics allegedly dismissed his symptoms, thinking he was intoxicated rather than seriously ill. Ion Chiperi, who suffered a stroke earlier this year, was reportedly misdiagnosed by emergency responders in the early hours of 23 September, leaving his partner, Doina Prisacaru, in a state of shock and distress.

According to Ms Prisacaru, who is also 22 and currently pregnant, the couple had spent a normal evening at their London home before Mr Chiperi woke her, reporting that he could not feel his legs. Alarmed, she immediately called for an ambulance. She claimed that when the paramedics arrived, they insisted that her partner was fine and would be okay by morning, suggesting he was drunk, despite her protests that he had not consumed any alcohol.

“I was in shock,” Ms Prisacaru told the BBC. “How can he be fine if he can’t speak, can’t move, and isn’t able to do anything?” She described a tense disagreement with the paramedics, who reportedly maintained that his condition was the result of intoxication rather than a medical emergency. Feeling helpless, she returned to bed with Mr Chiperi after the ambulance left.

Hours later, Ms Prisacaru woke to find her partner unresponsive, with foam around his mouth and cold extremities. She described the moment as terrifying, particularly given her pregnancy. “I thought he was dead. It was an overwhelming shock,” she said. She called another ambulance, which transported Mr Chiperi to Queen’s Hospital in Romford for urgent assessment.

Upon arrival at the hospital, Ms Prisacaru alleges that medical staff continued to treat her partner as if he were under the influence of alcohol. It was only after a doctor ordered additional scans that the true cause of his condition—a blood clot in the brain—was identified, confirming he had suffered a stroke.

Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, which manages Queen’s Hospital, expressed regret that Mr Chiperi was not referred to their specialist stroke team sooner. Trust chief executive Matthew Trainer said that a head CT scan was conducted within 30 minutes of his arrival, initially showing no abnormalities. Subsequent tests ultimately led to his referral to the stroke team and a mechanical thrombectomy on the same day.

Despite waking from his coma, Mr Chiperi remains severely impaired, able to communicate only by blinking. His partner expressed uncertainty about whether he will ever regain the ability to walk. She said that hospital staff informed her that, had he been taken to the hospital promptly by the first ambulance crew, he would likely be walking, talking, and functioning normally.

Ms Prisacaru described the impact on her life and her pregnancy as profound. “My last few months of pregnancy were just living in a hospital, going every day to see him, worrying about what would happen and what kind of a father my baby would have,” she said. She described the emotional toll of witnessing her partner’s condition deteriorate and the stress of navigating repeated hospital visits while preparing for the birth of their child.

The incident has sparked questions about the assessment and treatment of patients by emergency medical services, particularly regarding the potential dangers of attributing serious medical symptoms to alcohol consumption. Experts have warned that misdiagnoses can delay life-saving care, particularly in time-critical conditions such as strokes, where rapid intervention is crucial for preventing permanent damage.

Strokes occur when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, either by a clot or a bleed, and prompt treatment can significantly improve outcomes. Delays in diagnosis, even by a few hours, can result in irreversible brain damage, reduced mobility, and long-term cognitive impairments. In Mr Chiperi’s case, early dismissal of his symptoms as intoxication may have contributed to the severity of his current condition.

London Ambulance Service, which responded to the initial call, stated that it takes concerns about its care “extremely seriously” and confirmed that it would contact Mr Chiperi’s family to investigate the matter thoroughly. A spokesperson emphasised that the service is committed to reviewing all incidents where patient care may have been compromised and ensuring lessons are learned to prevent future errors.

Ms Prisacaru described the profound stress and anxiety caused by the delayed response, noting that she had been responsible for monitoring her partner’s condition while also managing her pregnancy. She recounted the physical and emotional exhaustion of watching her partner’s decline and navigating medical care while preparing to become a mother.

Medical professionals emphasise that symptoms such as sudden weakness, inability to speak, numbness, or loss of movement should always be treated as potential medical emergencies, regardless of perceived alcohol consumption. Misattributing these signs to intoxication can lead to preventable complications and worsen patient outcomes. In cases of stroke, timely medical intervention can be the difference between full recovery and permanent disability.

This case highlights the potential consequences of miscommunication and assumptions in emergency care. The pressure faced by paramedics, who must make rapid decisions under challenging circumstances, underscores the importance of thorough assessment and adherence to protocols. Experts recommend continuous training to reinforce awareness of stroke symptoms and other critical medical conditions to prevent similar incidents.

The long-term impact on Mr Chiperi is yet to be fully determined. While he has regained consciousness, his ability to perform basic functions and communicate effectively remains limited. Rehabilitation and therapy are expected to be ongoing, placing further emotional and financial strain on the family.

Ms Prisacaru also raised concerns about the psychological toll on herself as a caregiver. She described feelings of helplessness, fear, and constant worry as she navigated the healthcare system and monitored her partner’s condition. The uncertainty surrounding his recovery has placed significant stress on her daily life and her wellbeing during pregnancy.

Advocates argue that this incident underscores the need for comprehensive review of emergency response procedures and accountability measures for cases in which patients are misdiagnosed. Families affected by medical errors often face challenges in accessing support and guidance, highlighting the importance of transparent investigations and robust safeguards to prevent recurrence.

As investigations continue, the family hopes that their experience will raise awareness of the consequences of misdiagnoses and encourage improvements in emergency care. London Ambulance Service has pledged to examine the circumstances of the case, engage with the family, and ensure that any necessary corrective measures are implemented.

The incident has attracted wider attention in the media and among healthcare professionals, drawing focus to the potential risks of dismissing symptoms based on assumptions and the critical importance of patient advocacy in emergency situations.

For Ms Prisacaru, the personal cost of the delayed diagnosis has been immense. She described the ongoing emotional and practical challenges of caring for a severely disabled partner, preparing for the birth of their child, and coping with the psychological impact of witnessing a loved one suffer due to delayed medical intervention.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance in medical assessment, particularly in emergency situations where time-sensitive conditions like strokes require immediate attention. It also highlights the necessity for healthcare providers to listen carefully to the observations of family members, who may be the first to notice critical changes in a patient’s condition.

While Mr Chiperi’s recovery will be long and uncertain, the family hopes that their story will prompt a broader conversation about patient safety, emergency response standards, and the importance of timely, accurate assessment of all patients, regardless of assumptions about alcohol or other factors.