A 19‑year‑old woman died after dismissing a worsening headache as a hangover following a night out, an inquest has heard. Áine Rose Hurst collapsed at her home on 11 March last year and was taken to Royal Bolton Hospital, where doctors found severe swelling of her brain. She died two days later.
Ms Hurst had been out on 8 March and complained of a headache the next morning. Her mother advised her to drink water and take painkillers, believing she was suffering from a hangover. The headache continued to worsen over the following days.
The inquest at Bolton Coroner’s Court found that Ms Hurst died from cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, a rare form of blood clot on the brain. The coroner said a combined oral contraceptive pill she had been taking was a “potential contributing factor”.
Ms Hurst had used the pill since 2020 but was advised to stop after a routine check‑up in December 2024 showed high blood pressure. Following further checks, she restarted the medication after a GP appointment in January 2025, a decision the court heard was considered reasonable at the time.
The coroner said that some medicines carry very rare risks and that, with hindsight, warning signs can appear clearer than they were at the time. He concluded that Ms Hurst’s death was caused by a recognised but rare complication of properly prescribed medication.
Her family paid tribute to her, describing her as caring, outgoing and deeply loved. They said her death had left them devastated and urged others to seek medical help if symptoms worsen or persist.
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