A British man is in a critical condition in Spain after suffering a severe seizure and sustaining a head injury while on a family holiday intended to help him recover from trauma. Paul Grant, 43, developed epilepsy earlier this year following a violent mugging. He had travelled to Lanzarote with his family hoping to create positive memories after a difficult period.
Tragic Turn on Holiday
The incident occurred on the family’s first night at an all-inclusive hotel. Mr. Grant’s mother discovered him bleeding heavily after he had a seizure and hit his head against a wall in their room. He was immediately taken to a local hospital.
Doctors placed Mr. Grant in a medically induced coma after his liver and kidneys began to fail. He was subsequently airlifted to a different hospital on the island of Gran Canaria to receive specialized intensive care.
Emergency Surgery and Critical Condition
According to his sister, Kimberly Sharp, medical staff performed emergency surgery on Mr. Grant due to dangerously high pressure on his brain. A portion of his skull was removed from the right side to alleviate this pressure. Although the surgery itself was reportedly without complications, his family has been informed that he remains in a precarious state.
“He’s not out of the danger zone yet,” Ms. Sharp stated. “A part of his brain is severely damaged. He’s still highly sedated but he can hear us. He is connected to all the tubes but not on life support, which is a good thing.”
Mr. Grant’s family has incurred significant expenses, spending over £1,500 on flights and accommodation to remain by his side. Ms. Sharp has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover these costs, which has already raised more than £5,000.
Background of Trauma
Ms. Sharp explained the profound importance of this holiday for her brother. “He just wanted to make some nice family memories and have a good time,” she said. “A couple of months ago he got beaten up in Newcastle and had a seizure. He was jumped for his wallet and his phone, he was put into hospital and hasn’t been the same since.”
The violent mugging left Mr. Grant with lasting effects, leading to the onset of his seizures. The family holiday was intended as a way to help him overcome the trauma and enjoy a period of respite.
The Night of the Seizure
Recounting the events of that first night, Ms. Sharp described the harrowing experience:
- The family had enjoyed a pleasant first day, relaxing by the pool and having dinner.
- Early the next morning, around 5 a.m., Ms. Sharp’s mother woke her, distressed by noises from Mr. Grant’s room.
- Upon investigation, Mr. Grant was found to have had a seizure and fallen, hitting his head. He was covered in blood, and the incident appeared to have occurred in the hallway outside their room, possibly against a wall.
- His mother attempted to assist him, trying to position him on his side to prevent him from swallowing his tongue while he was still experiencing the seizure and bleeding from his head and nose.
- They immediately contacted reception to arrange for an ambulance.
When Mr. Grant regained some consciousness, he was disoriented and confused, exhibiting symptoms that his mother described as similar to having had a stroke. She accompanied him in the ambulance to the hospital.
Intensive Care and Life-Saving Surgery
At the hospital, Mr. Grant’s condition deteriorated rapidly. By 9 a.m., he was in intensive care. Doctors informed his mother that the facility was not equipped to handle the severity of his injuries, specifically a brain bleed and the extreme intracranial pressure.
He was informed that Mr. Grant would need to be transferred to Gran Canaria for more advanced treatment. Later that afternoon, around 5 p.m., the medical team contacted the family to explain the urgent need for surgery. They stated that without immediate intervention to reduce the pressure on his brain, Mr. Grant’s life would be at risk. Permission was sought and granted for the emergency procedure.
Ongoing Recovery and Family Support
Despite the successful surgery, Mr. Grant’s recovery is expected to be long and challenging. The damage to his brain is significant, and he remains in a critical but stable condition. His family is rallying around him, providing emotional support and managing the logistical and financial burdens associated with his extended hospital stay abroad.
The GoFundMe initiative highlights the community’s response to the family’s plight, offering a measure of financial relief during this incredibly difficult time. The family’s focus remains on Mr. Grant’s recovery, hoping he can eventually overcome the severe health crisis triggered by the initial trauma and subsequent medical emergencies.
