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Holiday seizure reveals shocking brain tumour
19 Dec, 2025
Summary
- A seizure during a Spanish holiday led to a brain tumour diagnosis.
- A second scan, nearly missed, was crucial in discovering the tumour.
- Counselling helped the patient cope with the life-altering diagnosis.
Amy McNamara, a 30-year-old from West Lothian, experienced a sudden seizure while on holiday in Spain in May 2023. Initially suspecting her drink had been spiked, she was cleared by local medics. However, subsequent symptoms like panic attacks and blurred vision prompted a GP visit, leading to a tentative epilepsy diagnosis.
A critical moment arrived when a second scan, initially not performed with contrast, was recalled. This chance event revealed a grade four astrocytoma, a primary brain tumour. She underwent surgery in August 2023 to remove 90% of the tumour, with 10% remaining due to its location affecting speech.
Following surgery, Amy endured chemotherapy and radiotherapy. She found solace and strength through a free counselling service from the Brain Tumour Charity, which helped her process the fear, grief, and challenges of her diagnosis and treatment. She is now undergoing regular scans and has initiated fundraising efforts.
