TikTok star Sabrina Bahsoon spent four months in hospital with rare brain condition

Sabrina Bahsoon, known for her viral TikTok videos filmed on the London Underground, has revealed she spent four months in hospital after a rare illness caused her to experience psychotic episodes. The 25-year-old TikTok star, who gained fame in 2023 for her confident dancing on the Tube, shared her health battle on TikTok, stating she was initially misdiagnosed.

Bahsoon was eventually diagnosed with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis, a condition where the immune system attacks the brain. Her specific case was linked to teratomas, or tumours, in her ovaries that produced antibodies attacking her brain. The ordeal began on March 19, shortly after she filmed her viral Tube Girl video.

Psychosis and Misdiagnosis

Bahsoon described her first episode of psychosis upon returning home, which involved intense crying, screaming, and erratic behaviour. This led to her being taken to an emergency room, where she remained for two days, experiencing continuous screaming and lack of sleep. Following her discharge, her condition worsened, leading to violent behaviour and attempts to harm herself. Paramedics called the police, and she was taken away in handcuffs due to her aggression. She was subsequently sectioned and moved to a mental health hospital, where she spent approximately two months and was diagnosed with psychosis.

During her time in the mental health facility, Bahsoon reported being treated with antipsychotic medication that proved ineffective. She stated she lost control of her mind and body, becoming unable to speak, eat, or sleep. Her father, consulting a neurologist, pushed for further tests for encephalitis. After about two months, doctors agreed to the testing, and scans revealed the ovarian teratomas responsible for the antibodies attacking her brain. The mental health hospital later apologised for the delay in diagnosis, as reported by The Standard.

Treatment and Recovery

Bahsoon was hospitalised from March until June. On June 18, she underwent surgery to remove the teratomas. She described the operation as high-risk, with a possibility of losing her ovaries, but the surgery was successful in preserving them. Following the surgery, she received immunotherapy, administered via a five-hour drip, to remove the antibodies. She was discharged in July after recovering from the operation and completing two rounds of immunotherapy.

Reflecting on her experience, Bahsoon noted significant memory loss and difficulty processing the events. She told The Standard that the ordeal had altered her life, involving the trauma of hospitalisation, memory loss, and a breakup. She has since returned to Malaysia to focus on her recovery and establish her 'new normal'. Bahsoon expressed gratitude for being alive and having her mind back, feeling fortunate compared to others who have experienced similar conditions.

Bahsoon encouraged individuals experiencing similar symptoms, especially if diagnosed with psychosis, to advocate for further tests and scans. She highlighted that she was fortunate to have her parents fighting for her, noting many other patients in the mental hospital lacked such support. She aims to return to music and content creation but prioritises her healing journey first, aspiring to regain her former strength and confidence.