A 25-year-old man's life was nearly cut short after his GP repeatedly dismissed debilitating hallucinations and symptoms as "just anxiety" for two years, while a dangerous brain tumour grew undetected.
Ben Watsham, from Cheltenham, first sought medical help in 2021 after experiencing frightening visual disturbances where objects would "breathe" and warp before his eyes. Despite his concerns, his GP assured him it was anxiety-related and prescribed medication.
The Terrifying Symptoms That Were Ignored
Over the following months, Ben's condition dramatically worsened. He developed:
- Severe memory loss that left him unable to recall recent conversations
- Intense headaches that became increasingly debilitating
- Personality changes that concerned his family and friends
- Visual hallucinations where objects appeared to move and distort
"I was told it was anxiety for two years," Ben revealed. "I kept going back because I knew something was seriously wrong, but I was consistently dismissed."
The Life-Saving Emergency Diagnosis
The breakthrough came only when Ben suffered a medical emergency so severe he was rushed to hospital. Scans immediately revealed the shocking truth: a 4cm brain tumour that had been growing unchecked for years.
"When they told me I had a brain tumour, everything suddenly made sense," Ben said. "All those symptoms I'd been reporting finally had an explanation."
The Devastating Impact of Delayed Treatment
Medical experts confirm that early detection of brain tumours is crucial for successful treatment outcomes. The two-year delay in Ben's diagnosis meant:
- The tumour had more time to grow and potentially cause permanent damage
- Treatment options became more complex and risky
- Recovery would be significantly more challenging
Ben underwent emergency surgery to remove the tumour, followed by extensive rehabilitation to regain basic functions he'd lost during his illness.
A Warning to Others and the NHS
Ben's case highlights serious concerns about how mental health symptoms are sometimes used to dismiss underlying physical conditions. His family are now speaking out to raise awareness about the importance of thorough medical investigations.
"If you know something isn't right with your body, keep pushing for answers," Ben urges others. "Don't let anyone dismiss your concerns as 'just anxiety' without proper investigation."
The case has prompted discussions about improving diagnostic processes within the NHS, particularly when patients present with symptoms that could indicate serious neurological conditions.
