Megan Dixon Went to Hospital for Tests — Left Paralysed Two Years Later

What began as a four-day hospital visit for tests turned into a life-altering journey for Megan Dixon—a journey marked by paralysis, silence, and ultimately, resilience. Now 20, Megan is speaking out about her battle with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), a condition that disrupted the way her brain communicated with her body, leaving her unable to walk, talk, or open her eyes.

Megan was just 13 when she first began feeling unwell. By 16, her health had deteriorated to such an extent that doctors suspected she may have suffered a stroke. Admitted to hospital for what was intended to be a brief series of tests, Megan’s condition worsened dramatically. Within two years, she was fully paralysed, unable to communicate or perform even the simplest tasks.

“It was as if my brain couldn’t tell the difference between having my eyes open or closed,” Megan shared in an interview with BBC News. Diagnosed with FND, she spent months in a neurological care facility in Peterborough, far from home and family, receiving round-the-clock support. “I was just a baby at the time. My parents had to leave me there—it was hard on them.”

At her lowest, Megan experienced up to 50 seizures a day and required a feeding tube directly to her stomach after losing the ability to swallow. Yet despite doctors warning her parents to prepare for the worst, she survived—defying expectations to reach her 20th birthday.

Today, thanks to 18 months of intense therapy, Megan can once again speak and perform basic movements. Though she remains dependent on support to stand and walk just a few steps, her progress is remarkable. “Even moving a finger or saying a word is worth celebrating,” she said.

Although her legs remain straight due to knee contractions—making independent walking unlikely—Megan is determined to regain control of her life. She now documents her experiences on TikTok, sharing milestones like using a wheelchair for the first time, walking in water, and climbing stairs using her arms.

Looking ahead, Megan hopes to become a nail technician and is saving for an online course. She also plans to move in with her boyfriend, Oli, a dream she once thought impossible. Reflecting on her journey, she said: “Doctors didn’t think I would live past 18—and here I am, planning my future.”

Megan’s story is a testament to resilience, the unpredictable nature of FND, and the power of hope even in the face of overwhelming odds.