Teen's Seizures Misdiagnosed as Anxiety, Revealed Brain Tumor

A young woman's serious medical condition was initially dismissed as anxiety for two years, underscoring a broader issue of women's health concerns being overlooked. The individual began experiencing seizures at age 15, symptoms doctors attributed to stress, hormones, or anxiety, despite her feeling otherwise. After six months without symptoms, they recurred weekly, significantly impacting her daily life and education.

Her family's persistent advocacy led to a re-examination of her medical scans. In March 2022, she was diagnosed with ganglioglioma, a rare type of brain tumor. This diagnosis brought relief, although it was a frightening realization. Surgery in July 2022 successfully removed the tumor, and her seizures stopped.

She now shares her story online to raise awareness about her rare condition and the common misdiagnosis of anxiety. Her experience has resonated with many, with numerous others reporting similar misdiagnoses for conditions like endometriosis, coeliac disease, and autism, prompting calls for doctors to take patient concerns more seriously.