Man told to ‘go to work’ after having 10 seizures due to rare tinnitus condition – The Mirror

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Daniel Doherty was diagnosed with the rare condition pulsatile tinnitus after a rugby injury, and says he is now speaking out to let others know about it and the help available

The condition has left Daniel Doherty unable to work (

Image: Daniel Doherty)

A man diagnosed with a rare form of tinnitus 22 years ago has spoken of his struggles with the condition and getting Universal Credit.

Daniel Doherty, 41, developed a condition called pulsatile tinnitus at the age of 19 after a sports injury.

Pulsatile tinnitus patients hear a beating noise in tune with their heartbeat, and serious examples – like Doherty’s – are in constant pain.

The condition has historically been untreatable, though some specialists are now developing a cure.

He is now speaking out to let others know about the condition and prevent anyone suffering in silence.

Doherty, from Widnes, played as right flanker for the under-19s team of local rugby club Widnes Vikings – his boyhood dream.

“All I ever wanted to do was be a professional rugby player,” Doherty said. “We got paid per game, it wasn’t a career but it was heading that way.”

Doherty pictured with the under-19 Widnes Vikings side
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Image:

Daniel Doherty)

But one day in training Doherty got an elbow in the side of the neck from another player.

He said it hurt, but he carried on training, thinking it was the sort of minor injury common in the sport.

But he realised something was wrong the next day when he woke up and could not turn his head.

Within a day he went back to training – which he did five days a week.

But a week later he was playing and felt a painful throbbing in his head when he was running.

The throbbing got worse, and now lasts 24 hours a day.

“It’s like the worst hangover you’ve ever had, and I’m always tired,” he said. “It’s like having a headache permanently. It feels like my head is full of pressure and ready to burst.”

Doherty pictured with his son and dog
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Image:

Daniel Doherty)

Doherty said he has struggled to get help for his condition as it is so rare many medical professionals aren’t aware of …….

Source: https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/man-told-go-work-after-26481061