The 57-year-old Big Brother legend had to undergo emergency surgery to remove a cyst on her brain after initially ignoring symptoms
An optometrist has urged people to be wary of three symptoms in their eyes that could signal a dangerous brain tumour. According to the expert, these changes to your vision should prompt you to seek help from a specialist.
His advice comes as television presenter Davina McCall recently revealed she had been diagnosed with a brain tumour. The 57-year-old had to undergo emergency surgery after doctors discovered a colloid cyst, which is a benign tumour.
Opening up about the experience, Davina told The Times she initially brushed off symptoms as the menopause. She now thinks that the “brain fog” and memory struggles she had been having were due to the cyst, which was located on her short-term memory pathway.
Memory problems are listed by the NHS as potential signs of a brain tumour, alongside headaches, seizures, nausea, being sick (vomiting), drowsiness, and progressive weakness or paralysis on one side of the body. The health body also notes “vision problems” as symptoms.
More specifically, Stephen Hannan – clinical services director at Optical Express – warned that sudden or unexplained changes in vision, such as blurred sight, double vision or difficulty seeing from the corners of your eyes, could be early signs of a brain tumour. He explained: “People often assume that changes in their vision just mean they need new glasses, but sometimes the cause is far more serious.
“Early timely intervention can be critical. Brain tumours can press against the optic nerve, causing blurred or double vision and these early warning signs should never be ignored.”
The Brain Tumour Charity reports that one in three people with a brain tumour experience vision changes as an early symptom, but these signs are often overlooked as symptoms can often develop gradually.
Each year, more than 12,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with a brain tumour and early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes. For this reason, Stephen urged people to attend regular eye check-ups.
He said: “Optometrists play a vital role in detecting potential health concerns beyond just eyesight, which is why we always say that if you notice any unusual changes, it’s essential to get checked as soon as possible.” He added that you should attend routine eye exams at least every two years, or sooner if you notice any vision changes.
Brain tumours can be benign, which means they grow slowly and are less likely to return after treatment. They can also be cancerous and either start in the brain or spread into the brain from elsewhere (secondary tumours).
These are more likely to grow back after treatment. If you experience any symptoms of a brain tumour you should speak to your GP.
