What happened to David Smith, the Paralympian?

David Smith, a 47-year-old Paralympian, initially dismissed his blurred vision and fatigue as side effects of excessive TV viewing while recovering from a rib injury. However, his condition worsened, and an emergency CT scan revealed three brain tumors, leading to lifesaving surgery.

How did David Smith's brain tumors affect him?

The brain tumors had invaded the area of David Smith's brain responsible for emotion, logic, and personality, causing him to become irritable, reclusive, and lacking his usual sharp thinking. The tumors also led to short-term memory loss and speech difficulties after his surgery.

What is David Smith's ongoing treatment plan?

After undergoing a six-hour surgery to remove a tumor the size of an orange, David Smith is now receiving radiotherapy to reduce the remaining two tumors. He faces a lifetime of check-ups, radiotherapy, and potential future operations as he continues his battle against the recurring tumors.

Home / Health / Paralympian's Blurred Vision Leads to Lifesaving Brain Surgery

Paralympian's Blurred Vision Leads to Lifesaving Brain Surgery

17 Nov

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Summary

Paralympian David Smith, 47, initially dismissed blurred vision and fatigue as side effects of TV viewing
Relatives grew concerned after his behavior changed, leading to emergency CT scan revealing 3 brain tumors
Smith underwent 6-hour surgery to remove a tumor the size of an orange and faces ongoing treatment

Paralympian's Blurred Vision Leads to Lifesaving Brain Surgery

In August 2025, Paralympian David Smith, 47, began experiencing blurred vision and exhaustion, which he initially attributed to spending excessive time watching TV at home while recovering from a rib injury. However, upon returning from a trip to Jamaica, Smith's relatives grew concerned as he became withdrawn and exhibited changes in his typically cheerful demeanor.

Concerned friends and family observed that Smith was becoming irritable, reclusive, and lacking his usual sharp thinking. Heeding their advice, Smith attended Chelsea Hospital in October 2025, where an emergency CT scan uncovered three brain tumors. Doctors immediately performed a six-hour operation to extract a tumor the size of an orange, and Smith has since undergone another life-saving procedure to address fluid accumulation on his brain.