A Newcastle teenager who was repeatedly told by doctors her debilitating symptoms were merely 'exam stress' was eventually diagnosed with a life-threatening brain tumour.
From GCSEs to Crisis: A Dismissed Illness
Katie-Jo Bartlett, now 19, first began experiencing alarming symptoms during her GCSE exams in 2022. She reported seeing unexplained 'colours' on her exam papers which induced nausea, alongside an unsteady, drunken-like gait and severe back pain. Despite multiple consultations, her GP attributed these issues to the pressure of her studies.
It wasn't until June 2022, the day after an exam, that the situation reached a critical point. While accompanying her mother Stacey, 43, to a medical appointment, Katie-Jo collapsed and lost consciousness in a toilet. She remained unresponsive for approximately 25 minutes before an emergency ambulance rushed her to hospital.
Emergency Diagnosis and Lifesaving Surgery
At the Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital, medics identified a severe case of hydrocephalus – a dangerous build-up of fluid on the brain. She was transferred immediately to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle for emergency drainage procedures.
Subsequent MRI and CT scans revealed the root cause: a brain tumour that was obstructing fluid flow. "The doctors told me that if I didn't have that surgery there and then, I wouldn't be here," Katie-Jo recalled. She underwent urgent surgery which confirmed the tumour was benign (non-cancerous).
Living with a Permanent Condition
Due to the tumour's location, it could not be surgically removed. Instead, Katie-Jo had a permanent shunt device fitted to drain excess fluid and reduce cranial pressure – a procedure that took place on the evening of her school prom. She now requires MRI scans every eight months to monitor for any growth and lives with ongoing fatigue as a side effect of the shunt.
"I will live with the tumour forever," said Katie-Jo, who works in retail. "Being so young, I didn't know what having a brain tumour meant for me. I was terrified." She expressed immense gratitude to the hospital staff who she says saved her life.
Charity Stresses Awareness and Support
Shannon Winslade, Head of Services at The Brain Tumour Charity, responded to the case: "We're really grateful to everyone who shares their - often heart-breaking - story to raise awareness of brain tumours." The charity offers support via its Support and Information Line on 0808 800 0004.
Recognising Brain Tumour Symptoms
According to NHS guidance, key symptoms can include:
- Persistent, worsening headaches
- Unexplained nausea, vomiting, or drowsiness
- Seizures (fits)
- Mental or behavioural changes
- Progressive weakness or speech problems
- Vision problems
The NHS advises that symptoms may develop slowly and urges anyone concerned to speak to their GP.
