Katie-Jo Bartlett, a 19-year-old from Newcastle, endured months of misdiagnosed symptoms before being diagnosed with a brain tumour. Initially dismissed as “exam stress” by healthcare professionals, her condition only came to light after she collapsed unexpectedly, requiring emergency medical intervention.
Katie-Jo had experienced unsettling visual disturbances during her GCSE exams, describing strange “colours” appearing on her exam papers that triggered nausea. Alongside these visual symptoms, she suffered from persistent instability when walking and persistent back pain. Despite multiple visits to her GP, her concerns were repeatedly attributed to stress related to her exams.
The turning point came when Katie-Jo fainted in a bathroom during a doctor’s appointment. Emergency responders rushed her to Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital, where doctors diagnosed severe hydrocephalus—excess fluid accumulation in the brain. She was quickly transferred to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle for urgent treatment to drain the fluid.
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Subsequent MRI and CT scans revealed the underlying cause: a brain tumour responsible for the hydrocephalus. Although the tumour cannot be surgically removed due to its location, Katie-Jo has undergone several procedures to implant a shunt that helps relieve pressure in her skull. She experiences fatigue as a side effect and undergoes regular MRI scans every eight months to monitor the tumour’s stability.
“I was in the middle of my GCSE exam when the colours on the paper made me feel sick,” Katie-Jo recounted. “I’d walk unsteadily, almost like a drunk person, and suffer terrible back pain. Everyone thought it was just exam stress.”
Her mother Stacey, 43, was with her at the GP visit when Katie-Jo collapsed. Reflecting on the emergency surgery, Katie-Jo said, “The doctors told me if I hadn’t had that operation straight away, I wouldn’t be here. My mum promised she wouldn’t leave my side, and she kept that promise.”
Though the tumour is benign, Katie-Jo faces a lifelong journey managing her condition. “I couldn’t believe this was happening to me at such a young age,” she said. “I’ll live with the tumour forever, but thanks to the doctors, I’m still here, and it’s stable.”
Experts from The Brain Tumour Charity highlight the importance of recognizing symptoms early to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment. The NHS lists common signs of brain tumours, including headaches, visual changes, balance issues, and persistent nausea. Symptoms often develop gradually or may initially be absent.
If you or someone you know experiences unusual neurological symptoms, it is crucial to consult a GP promptly. Early detection can be lifesaving.