A woman has shared how her world turned upside down overnight after being struck by a rare condition that causes sudden, intense “thunderclap” headaches.
Victoria Harman was thriving in her fast-paced, high-flying career at a social media company when the mysterious illness took hold.
The 36-year-old first noticed a strange “clicking” sensation in her body, followed by a searing headache and skin that flushed bright red symptoms she initially dismissed as a migraine.
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But when the agonising pain returned three times in one week, she realised something far more serious was happening.
“Out of nowhere, my body just said ‘enough’,”said Victoria, originally from New York but now based in London. “I suddenly felt something click inside me, and then the pain hit 10 out of 10. It was like nothing I’d ever experienced before. I honestly thought I might be having a stroke.”
After the third attack, Victoria was rushed to hospital, where doctors discovered her blood pressure had skyrocketed. Concerned it might be a brain haemorrhage, aneurysm, or stroke, medics ran multiple CT scans, MRIs, and a lumbar puncture before confirming the diagnosis – reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS).
The rare neurological disorder causes recurring, severe headaches due to temporary narrowing of the brain’s arteries, and typically resolves within a few months.
Following her diagnosis in May 2023, Victoria was forced to step away from her demanding corporate job to focus on recovery. The condition’s cause remains unclear, but her long working hours and constant stress may have played a role.
“It completely stopped me in my tracks,”she said.“For two months, I was on a powerful medication that left me exhausted most of the day.I started forgetting basic things, like where I left my keys, or even leaving the house without my bag or wallet.
“For someone who was always on the go, building their career on momentum, being forced to stop was shocking and difficult to accept. Doctors told me I had to manage my stress carefully – even one stressful episode could trigger a stroke and kill me.
“When you see those words written on a hospital note, it’s a huge wake-up call. You realise you have to slow down.”
At first, taking a break from her career felt devastating, but it eventually gave Victoria time to reassess what truly mattered.
“When you’re forced to pause, you start to ask yourself what you actually want to do with your time and energy,” she said. “I was always ambitious, working long nights and early mornings, but this made me rethink everything. For the first time, I understood that tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.”
During her sick leave, her role was made redundant but instead of seeing it as a setback, Victoria saw it as a new beginning. Drawing inspiration from her past experience in global retail, she decided to launch her own curated shopping platform, Rajani Baker, featuring her own fashion designs alongside pieces from independent Indian designers.
“It gave me a new purpose when everything suddenly changed, she said. “I wanted to highlight incredible craftsmanship and support female entrepreneurs in India and the diaspora. I’ve always admired the artistry and quality of Indian textiles, and this was a way to give them a global stage.”
Using her savings, Victoria spent a year building the brand from the ground up – developing products, sourcing unique designs, and managing the business setup. Rajani Baker officially launched in November 2024.
Although still managing her recovery including an arterial stenosis diagnosis and ongoing blood pressure issues Victoria’s determination helped her turn her setback into success.
Today, she runs a thriving business on her own terms, prioritising her health while pursuing her passion.
Her brand now offers fashion, accessories, and home décor, each piece celebrating artistry, heritage, and skill. Speaking on the Lemonade Leaders podcast, which features people who’ve turned adversity into opportunity, Victoria reflected on her journey:
“I’m proud of what I’ve built so far,” she said. “Starting a business is tough, but it’s deeply rewarding to create the kind of workplace and recognition I always wished existed. I’m not chasing quick wins – I’m aiming for something meaningful and long-lasting.”
Alongside her growing business, Victoria now takes greater care of her wellbeing, making time for things that bring her peace from nature walks and sound baths to puppy yoga.
“My illness stripped life back to the essentials,” she said. “I take each day as it comes and try to live normally again. Going through something life-threatening changes your perspective your priorities shift.
“If anything, I’ve become more ambitious, not less.The difference is, now I’m focused on goals that bring deeper fulfilment. I’ve learned to zoom out and appreciate the bigger picture of this one, incredible life we get.”
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