Woman, 22, has huge chunk of her skull removed after being run over

Woman, 22, who was ploughed into by a car at a pedestrian crossing has life-saving operation to remove a huge chunk of her skull to relieve deadly pressure on her brain

• Steph Blake struck as she crossed a pedestrian crossing in Totting, Hampshire
• She suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) after her head bounced off the tarmac
• Medics cut chunk from skull when her brain swelled and cut off oxygen, blood 

A 22-year-old woman had a large chunk of her skull surgically removed after being ploughed into by a car.

Steph Blake was struck as she crossed a pedestrian crossing in Totting, Hampshire, when the green man signalled last June.

She suffered a traumatic brain injury after her head bounced off the tarmac, causing the organ to swell and press against her skull, cutting off oxygen and blood. 

Ms Blake was put in a coma for 19 days so doctors could remove the front of her skull to relieve pressure from her brain and prevent irreversible damage.

Medics re-fitted the bone using small titanium plates and screws. The horrific accident has left her with fatigue, memory loss and difficulty concentrating.

A 22-year-old woman had a large chunk of her skull surgically removed after being ploughed into by a car, this shocking X-ray image shows

Steph Blake was struck as she walked crossed a pedestrian crossing in Totting, Hampshire, last June (recovering in hospital, left and right)

Her injuries meant she was unable to take up a job as an easyJet air stewardess.

She said: ‘The past year or so has been the most difficult of my life and the incident has affected me in so many ways.

‘I was devastated that I couldn’t take up my cabin crew job and it is difficult not to think about how things could have been different.

‘However, I have to remember that I’m lucky to be alive. I’m determined to look to the future and move forward with my life.

‘Nothing will change what has happened, but I just want to encourage people to always be careful on the road. Failing to do so can have massive consequences.’

Ms Blake, who lives at home with parents Sue and Steve, had been waiting to cross the A35 on the morning of 22 June.

She stepped out onto the road when the lights turned red and the green man appeared.

But a vehicle in the far lane failed to stop and struck her head on, sending her hurtling through the air. 

WHAT IS A TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY (TBI)? 

A sudden damage to the brain caused by a blow or jolt to the head. 

Common causes include car or motorcycle crashes, falls, sports injuries, and assaults. 

During the impact of an accident, the brain crashes back and forth inside the skull causing bruising, bleeding, and tearing of nerve fibers

Immediately after the accident the person may be confused, not remember what happened, have blurry vision and dizziness, or lose consciousness. 

At first the person may appear fine, but their condition can decline rapidly. 

After the initial impact occurs, the brain undergoes a delayed trauma – it swells – pushing itself against the skull and reducing the flow of oxygen-rich blood.

Injuries can range from mild concussions to severe permanent brain damage.

While treatment for mild TBI may include rest and medication, severe TBI may require intensive care and life-saving surgery.  

Those who survive a brain injury can face lasting effects in their physical and mental abilities as well as emotions and personality.  

Source: MayfieldClinic 

She said: ‘I remember the cars had stopped and the lane being empty, then I remember a car at my left hip.

‘I can also remember laying on the ground and think I have memory of people coming to help. After that there is just nothing. The next thing I recall is waking up in hospital and seeing my Dad.’

Ms Blake was taken to Southampton General Hospital and admitted to Wessex Neurological Unit.

She underwent a six-hour operation to remove part of her skull due to her brain swelling. She was then left in a coma for 19 days.

Following the incident, Ms Blake instructed serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help her access specialist rehabilitation she requires. 

Claire Howard, who is representing Steph said: ‘This case is yet another example of the huge effect that road traffic collisions can have on those involved.

‘Steph has suffered devastating, life-threatening injuries which have impacted greatly on her life.

‘While Steph has undoubtedly made great progress considering everything she has been through, she still continues to experience significant issues related to the injuries.

‘Not only that, but she has also faced the heartbreak of her life changing causing her to miss out on a dream job opportunity.’

Ms Blake’s friends raised hundreds of pounds for her which she decided to donate to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, who were called to the crash scene. 

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