Dad misdiagnosed with vertigo loses all memory due to brain tumor

By John Powers

A dad lost all memory of his family and even forgot his own name as a result of an aggressive brain tumor - after being misdiagnosed with vertigo.

Marcus Williams, 35, began experiencing intense headaches, fatigue, and seizures but doctors repeatedly misdiagnosed his symptoms for vertigo.

The dad-of-one started to lose his memory - and couldn't recognize his daughter, Lola, five - and his wife, Laura, 31, pushed to get a CT scan.

It revealed a large tumor and Marcus was rushed for emergency surgery to remove 98% of the mass - after being given hours to live.

Marcus was diagnosed with a glioblastoma but his memory has since returned and his is nearing the end of six weeks of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Laura, a self-employed beauty therapist, from Yatton, Somerset, said: "I was shocked when the GP surgery texted me saying there was nothing more they could do. Both they and doctors at A&E insisted Marcus had vertigo, but I knew it was something far worse.

‘’When his eye suddenly went lazy, I feared he was having a stroke. Even the paramedics downplayed his symptoms, suggesting his projectile vomiting could be due to a blocked ear or even mental health issues.

‘’I couldn’t understand how so many medical professionals, people we are meant to trust with our lives, were so dismissive and treated us like timewasters.

“Soon, Marcus started losing his speech and memory. He didn’t even recognize our little girl, the person he cherishes most. I was at breaking point.

‘’It wasn’t until I confronted a doctor at A&E and demanded a CT scan that they finally found the large tumor. That was when I was told he had only hours to live and needed emergency surgery.”

A neurosurgeon from Newquay, Cornwall, was flown in and successfully removed 98% of the tumor in a 12-hour operation, and Marcus remained in intensive care for the following five days.

The family finally received a diagnosis following the operation and were devastated to learn that he had a glioblastoma - an aggressive and cancerous brain tumor.

Laura was told by medical professionals that Marcus would experience memory loss, speech difficulties, and other challenges, and the family brought in photos and Marcus’ favorite snacks to help speed up his recuperation.

For his daughter, Lola, things were especially difficult.

Laura said: "She kept repeating, ‘Why won’t daddy play with me?’ and ‘daddy’s got a poorly head’ but she just couldn’t grasp what was happening.

"The whole situation has been incredibly tough on her. When I had to leave her with my parents to stay with Marcus in the hospital, she was devastated.’’

‘’She didn’t know where I was or what was happening, and she didn’t understand why daddy wouldn’t be with her either. Being out of school due to half-term only made things harder. It broke my heart to see how much she was struggling.’’

“Marcus had always been the fun dad, playing pillow fights and doing gymnastics on the floor with her. After his surgery, he could only sit there, quiet and exhausted, as he recovered."

Marcus is now showing healthy signs of recovery after undergoing six weeks of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

He has additional medication to manage his occasional seizures but remains bedbound for the time being.

Marcus and Lola still enjoy reading and coloring together, and are still hoping for a return to gymnastics together soon.

Laura is taking part in Brain Tumor Research’s 10,000 Steps a Day in February challenge, along with friends and family.

Laura adds: “I was told I was hours away from losing my husband and, at every turn, medical staff dismissed me as a time waster.

‘’Only research and a cure can prevent others from going through what we did, and I won’t stop fighting for that.

‘’That’s why we’re taking on the 10,000 Steps a Day challenge, followed by wing walks and skydives, all to raise money for this vital cause.

"If even one pound helps find a cure or eases another family’s pain, it will be worth it.”

Ashley McWilliams, community development manager at Brain Tumor Research, said: “Marcus, Laura, and Lola’s story is a powerful reminder of the devastating impact brain tumors have on families and the urgent need for better diagnosis, treatment, and support.’’

‘’Their courage and determination to raise awareness and funds will make a real difference to the 12,000 people diagnosed with a primary brain tumor each year.’’