Mum left with brain injury after suspected spiking at bottomless brunch

13 May 2024 , 21:48

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Simone White fears she was spiked during a night out (Image: Simone White / SWNS)

A mum has been left with a serious brain injury which has left her struggling to walk or talk after a suspected spiking during a night out.

Simone White, 43, was out with friends at a bottomless brunch in Bristol when she started to feel "very funny" and collapsed. The mum of three was discharged and told the side effects would "wear off" but Simone has been left with stuttered speech and struggling to walk.

Following a CT scan, doctors believe Simone suffered a functional neurological disorder (FND). She is awaiting the results of an MRI to confirm her diagnosis. Simone, a self-employed cleaner, from Bradley Stoke, South Gloucestershire, said: “From my perspective this has been life-altering, your body is your body and no one has the right to decide what to do with it.

"I don't want anyone to go through what I have gone through. There are really long term damaging effects to being spiked. I was so complacent. Who on earth would want to spike a 43-year-old? There needs to be more awareness of the potential. The neurologist believes I have something called FND. It's something usually triggered by a stressful event.

Simone collapsed after the night out (Simone White / SWNS)

Police are investigating the incident (Simone White / SWNS)

"I was very agitated. I had no control of my body at all. I was having episodes of consciousness and unconsciousness. When I was conscious I was gurning, throwing things, going rigid and scratching and clawing. They believe I was having seizures.”

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Simone is now waiting for the results of her MRI to confirm the diagnosis and look at the next steps. In the meantime she said her walking has improved but she is still a little unsteady and her gate has slightly altered. She says she still struggles with her speech and has spasms and ticks. She is currently unable to work, and doctors have told her not to drive.

Avon and Somerset Police are investigating the incident. A spokesman said: "We're investigating an incident in which a woman required hospital treatment in a suspected spiking incident while visiting a bar in Bristol. She had been with a friend in Bristol city centre between 4pm and 6pm on Saturday 4 May before falling unwell and being taken to hospital.

"The incident was reported to police later that evening and enquiries are ongoing. Officers are keen to hear from anyone who has information that could help the investigation, particularly anyone who was at Tonight Josephine in Baldwin Street between 4pm and 5pm on Saturday 4 May. If you have any information please call 101.”

Antony Clements-Thrower