Tributes have emerged for Theo Burrell, a participant on the BBC program Antiques Roadshow, who passed away at the age of 38 after a battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Burrell was diagnosed in 2022 and, despite a prognosis typically ranging from 12 to 18 months, outlived expectations through surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

Burrell initially experienced subtle symptoms that she later identified as potential early warning signs. During a long car journey in late 2021, at the age of 35, she suffered from car sickness, a sensation she had not previously experienced. This was accompanied by severe migraines and vision problems. At the time, with a young son recently started in nursery, she attributed these issues to a potential stomach bug or general exhaustion.

It wasn't until the summer of 2022 that a visit to A&E for persistent migraines led to a CT scan at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. Doctors discovered a glioblastoma, and Burrell underwent surgery to remove 90% of the tumor, followed by further treatment.

Glioblastomas are notoriously aggressive, with a survival rate of about 5-10% for more than five years. Experts emphasize that early detection can improve treatment outcomes, and some initial signs may not be immediately associated with brain tumors.

Lesser-Known Symptoms

Beyond persistent headaches, other less common early indicators of glioblastoma can include:

  • Vision disturbances: Experiencing double vision can be a symptom of increased pressure on the brain caused by the tumor or swelling.
  • Changes in urination: Nearly half of patients report urinary incontinence, which can be linked to tumors affecting the nerves controlling bladder and pelvic muscles, particularly if located near the spinal cord.
  • Sudden clumsiness: Weakness in limbs, leading to a loss of coordination or dropping objects, can result from the tumor impacting the brain's motor cortex.
  • Persistent nausea: Tumors can increase intracranial pressure or affect hormone levels, leading to continuous feelings of sickness.
  • Extreme exhaustion: A profound sense of fatigue, even after adequate rest, is common. The Brain Tumour Charity suggests this is the body expending significant energy to combat the cancerous mass.
  • Auditory issues: Tinnitus, characterized by ringing or buzzing in the ears, is a rarer symptom that can occur if the tumor presses on the auditory nerve or affects the brain's sound-processing areas.
  • Altered sense of touch: Depending on the tumor's location, individuals may experience a diminished ability to perceive temperature, textures, or pressure.
  • Mood and behavioral changes: Psychological issues, irritability, or a loss of inhibitions can arise not only from the diagnosis but also from the tumor's direct impact on brain function.
  • Unexplained sensations: Numbness or tingling, particularly in the limbs, can be an early sign if the tumor affects the sensory cortex or parietal lobe. These sensations can sometimes be caused by minor seizures.

Experts advise that any persistent or unusual symptoms warrant further medical investigation.