A student has recounted how a misdiagnosis led her to discover she had a brain tumour after initially being told she was “drinking too much.”
Lucy Younger, 24, received a brain tumour diagnosis after her concerning symptoms were dismissed as typical “fresher” behaviour and excessive drinking.
Before starting university, Lucy experienced unusual episodes like zoning out, smelling bacon, and frequent déjà vu. Despite her symptoms worsening, doctors allegedly downplayed her concerns, attributing them to heavy drinking and anxiety, and even prescribed antidepressants without thorough investigation.
A CT scan eventually revealed a benign brain tumour, leading to a craniotomy for its removal. Now, Lucy, an aspiring journalist from Crystal Palace, London, is committed to raising awareness about early detection of brain tumours.
Lucy, a trainee journalist, shared: “During freshers, my symptoms worsened significantly.” Doctors advised her to slow down, attributing her condition to anxiety and excessive drinking. They suggested she was just a typical fresher, dismissing her issues as related to partying.
Lucy’s symptoms began just before starting her BA in English at Goldsmiths in September 2018. She experienced déjà vu and visual hallucinations. Initially thinking she was overindulging during freshers, she reduced her drinking and preferred staying in.
Girl’s brain tumour misdiagnosed for three years https://t.co/fumeG5jDEZ
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However, her symptoms worsened, including sensory hallucinations like smelling bacon, pins and needles in her face, and tasting metal.
When Lucy sought medical help for sharp headaches, her GP attributed them to anxiety and the stress of being a fresher. Lucy said: “They immediately said it was anxiety. I was skeptical because I felt happy with my life despite the big move from Newquay to London.”
Her concentration issues and zoning out during lectures were dismissed as depression and panic attacks, leading to anxiety medication. Lucy trusted her GP’s advice but remained doubtful as her symptoms persisted. Doctors later suggested hormonal issues due to PCOS, but Lucy felt something was seriously wrong.
In March 2020, during the pandemic, Lucy returned home and experienced severe seizures and migraines, with numbness on the right side of her body. She suspected either psychosis or a tumour.
After researching her symptoms, she believed they indicated epilepsy and a brain tumour, but doctors dismissed her concerns, saying she was too young for such conditions.
Feeling desperate, Lucy contacted a local pharmacist, who advocated for her by sending a letter to her GP, recommending a CT scan. The scan in July confirmed a benign brain tumour.
Lucy underwent surgery four months later and returned to university in 2021, graduating the following year. She now lives a normal life but manages epilepsy and short-term memory loss.
Lucy emphasised the importance of self-advocacy: “You know your own body. Advocate for yourself if something feels wrong. I caught my brain tumour early, which made a significant difference. A brain tumour isn’t always a death sentence.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What symptoms did Lucy Younger initially experience?
Lucy initially experienced zoning out, smelling bacon, and frequent déjà vu.
How did doctors initially respond to Lucy’s symptoms?
Doctors downplayed her concerns, attributing them to excessive drinking and anxiety.
What led to Lucy’s brain tumour diagnosis?
A CT scan, recommended by a pharmacist, revealed the benign brain tumour.
What was Lucy’s condition after the surgery?
Lucy returned to university, graduated, and now lives with epilepsy and short-term memory loss.
What advice does Lucy give to others experiencing unusual symptoms?
Lucy advises advocating for yourself and trusting your own body if something feels wrong.
