When three-year-old Orla began suffering from severe vomiting, her parents expected a routine diagnosis of a tummy bug. What followed was a months-long nightmare of misdiagnosis and desperate pleas for help, which nearly cost the little girl her life.
A Mother's Instinct Versus Medical Dismissal
Orla's mother, Stacey, knew something was seriously wrong when her daughter's vomiting became projectile and was accompanied by concerning neurological symptoms. Despite repeatedly seeking medical help, doctors at their local hospital insisted it was gastroenteritis.
"We were told time and time again it was just a sickness bug," Stacey recounts, her voice heavy with the memory. "But as a mother, you know your child. I knew this was different."
The Turning Point: Fighting for an MRI
After weeks of watching her daughter deteriorate, Stacey's persistence finally led to a crucial MRI scan. The results were devastating: Orla had a brain tumour the size of a tangerine.
"The moment they showed us the scan, our world collapsed," Stacey says. "But in another way, it was validation that I hadn't been imagining things."
Life-Saving Surgery and Recovery
Orla underwent immediate surgery at Alder Hey Children's Hospital, where neurosurgeons successfully removed the tumour. The operation lasted nearly ten hours, followed by a gruelling recovery period.
Today, Orla is making remarkable progress, though she continues to face challenges with her mobility and requires ongoing therapy. Her family remains vigilant for any signs of recurrence.
A Warning to Other Parents
Stacey now campaigns to raise awareness about brain tumour symptoms in children, which are often mistaken for less serious conditions. Key warning signs include:
- Persistent or projectile vomiting, especially in the morning
- Balance problems and uncoordinated movement
- Abnormal eye movements or blurred vision
- Behavioural changes and excessive sleepiness
- Headaches that don't respond to medication
"Trust your instincts as a parent," Stacey urges. "If you feel something isn't right, keep pushing for answers. Our persistence saved Orla's life."
The Larger Issue: Brain Tumour Diagnosis in the UK
Orla's story highlights ongoing concerns about brain tumour diagnosis times in the UK. Charities like The Brain Tumour Charity emphasise that early detection significantly improves outcomes, yet many families face similar battles for diagnosis.
The medical community continues to work on improving recognition of childhood brain tumour symptoms, but stories like Orla's serve as crucial reminders of the work still needed.
