Mom taking legal action after doctors fail to spot brain tumor

By Douglas Whitbread via SWNS

A mom is taking legal action against a hospital trust after they failed to spot her potentially life-threatening tumor in her brain.

Samia Tahir, 36, claims she has now been left with cognitive issues after an “incredibly difficult” few years where medics didn’t pick up the possibly deadly growth.

The married mom of two said she had initially visited a local hospital for a CT scan after complaining of headaches, fear of light and blurred vision.

But after the tests came back clear, she spent more than two years with migraine-like symptoms and neck pain, while attending numerous hospital appointments.

Finally, in April 2017, she was admitted to Wythenshawe Hospital, England, where she was diagnosed with hydrocephalus - a build-up of fluid on the brain.

The hospital then successfully removed the fluid and the non-cancerous tumor during a lengthy operation.

But the former personal assistant claims she has been left with cognitive and memory problems due to doctors’ initial failings.

She said: “It’s been an incredibly difficult few years and I’m still coming to terms with everything that has happened.

“While I look physically well, it’s been hard coping with my hidden symptoms – like memory problems and fatigue.”

Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Wythenshawe Hospital, admits it failed to diagnose Samia’s tumor.

But it continues to deny the delayed diagnosis caused her brain condition and later cognitive problems.

Nicola Ashton, the expert medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Samia, said the mom was still trying to understand the extent of the Trust’s failings.

She said: “The last few years, and trying to come to terms with what happened, understandably, has been incredibly difficult for Samia and her family.

“She has had a number of concerns about what happened to her; the Trust’s admission that it failed to diagnose her tumor is particularly worrying.”

Samia had her initial CT scan in March 2015, but it wasn’t until April 2017, when she was rushed to hospital, that medics correctly identified she had hydrocephalus.

Nicola explained: “Hydrocephalus is caused by a build-up of fluid on the brain which creates increased pressure, which in turn can damage the brain.

“If left untreated, hydrocephalus can be fatal, so its impact should never be downplayed.”

Samia underwent successful surgery to drain fluid and remove the tumor and spent around six weeks in hospital.

But following the operation - along with the two years she spent with severe migraine symptoms - she feels her life will never be the same again.

She said: “I was a lot more happy go lucky before my hydrocephalus and surgery and had a great outlook on life. Now I find my attitude towards things has changed.

“I’m not as calm as I used to be and I get frustrated that I’m not as independent as I was.

"Even small things like putting jars back in the wrong place or mixing up clothes frustrate me.

“I also feel that I’m not able to help the children as much with their homework as I can make mistakes so it’s unfair on them.

“I know nothing can change what I’ve been through, but I hope that by sharing my story I can help others who may be going through similar issues.

Samia was a personal assistant at Manchester University Foundation Trust, but she said she’s since had to "downgrade" her role after finding it hard to complete simple tasks.

She said: “I had to leave my job role as PA and downgrade to an admin clerk as I was forgetting tasks that were given to me by my manager and I began making mistakes.

Samia now wants to draw awareness to others who may be suffering from hydrocephalus.

She said: “Hydrocephalus has had a big impact on my life but I’m so grateful to everyone who has supported me.

“People affected by hydrocephalus shouldn’t feel they have to suffer alone as help and is support is out there.”

Her lawyer, Nicola, said that the legal team is determined to fight for her and to support others suffering from the illness.

She said: “While nothing can make up for what Samia has been through we’re determined to help her access the specialist therapies she requires.

“She has shown a huge amount of courage in sharing her story to help others and we join her in supporting this important campaign.

“It’s also vital that the Trust learns lessons from the issues identified in her care.”

Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have been contacted for comment.