Healthcare worker diagnosed with brain tumour after hearing imaginary music

Emma Bond, a 33-year-old healthcare worker, faced a baffling medical issue when she started hearing music that didn't exist and interpreted people's words as lyrics. Initially diagnosed as merely stressed, it later came to light that Emma had a grade two glioma, a form of brain tumour.

Initial Misdiagnosis and Discovery

Upon visiting the Accident & Emergency department at Warrington Hospital, Emma was erroneously told that her symptoms were stress-related. However, a subsequent scan at St Helens Hospital revealed the true cause of her auditory hallucinations: a brain tumour.

Postponed Wedding and Treatment

The shocking diagnosis meant that Emma had to delay her wedding and undergo surgery a week before the originally planned date. Surgeons successfully removed 95% of the tumour, which was followed by six weeks of radiotherapy and a year of chemotherapy. Thanks to this extensive treatment, her condition has remained stable since.

Emma shared her frightening experience of hearing music in her head and not being able to comprehend spoken words. The ordeal left her terrified for her physical and mental well-being.

Road to Recovery and Support

With the support of her medical team, particularly Dr. May in Liverpool, and her medications to prevent focal sensory auditory seizures, Emma has not experienced a recurrence of the hallucinations. She reflects on the sadness of postponing her wedding but appreciates the love and visits from her guests.

Life After Surgery

Emma and her partner, Edd Blake, eventually got married on July 17, 2021. She continues to have MRI scans every six months to monitor her condition.

Marathon for a Cause

Edd and Emma's brother Jack will run the TCS London Marathon to support brain tumour research, aiming to find a cure and improve treatment options. This move is personal for them as they have witnessed Emma's battle with the tumour.

Carol Robertson from the charity Brain Tumour Research highlighted the urgency of funding research for this cause, as brain tumours are a significant threat yet underfunded in comparison to other cancers.

The upcoming marathon represents hope and determination to overcome the challenges posed by brain tumours, with Edd and Jack's fundraising efforts supporting progress towards better outcomes for patients like Emma.

healthcare, tumour, recovery