A mum-of-two has been diagnosed with a potentially fatal brain condition - more than two years after a hospital failed to spot a tumour.
Samia Tahir, 36, attended Wythenshawe hospital with a severe headache, vomiting and a swollen face in 2017. The mum, from Altrincham, had undergone a CT scan at the hospital in March 2015 but a non-cancerous tumour wasn’t picked up. This was despite her having complained of headache, fear of light and blurred vision beforehand.
She was only 31 when she was given a heartbreaking diagnosis two years later - hydrocephalus, a build-up of excess fluid which puts pressure on the brain.
Samia now wants to raise awareness of the condition.
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After the failed scan, she continued to complain of migraine-type symptoms and neck pain. Saima attended several appointments at the hospital over the next two years before being admitted as an emergency in April 2017.
This resulted in surgery to drain fluid from her brain and to remove the tumour. She had to spend around six weeks in hospital to recover.
The admin clerk at Manchester University Foundation Trust now has cognitive and memory problems and requires specialist therapies and support. This is now being investigated by solicitors from Irwin Mitchell.
Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Wythenshawe Hospital, confirmed medics failed to diagnose Samia’s tumour in March 2015 and formally apologised.
Samia is now looking to raise awareness after Hydrocephalus Awareness Week earlier this month, with the campaign aiming to put a spotlight on the condition and support available.
Samia said: “It’s been an incredibly difficult few years and I’m still coming to terms with everything that has happened. While I look physically well, it’s been hard coping with my hidden symptoms – like memory problems and fatigue.
“I was a lot more happy go lucky before my hydrocephalus and surgery and had a great outlook on life. Now I find my attitude towards things has changed. I’m not as calm as I used to be and get frustrated that I’m not as independent as I was. Even small things like putting jars back in the wrong place or mixing up clothes frustrate me.
“I also feel that I’m not able to help the children as much with their homework as I can make mistakes so it’s unfair on them. I know nothing can change what I’ve been through, but I hope that by sharing my story I can help others who may be going through similar issues.
“I had to leave my job role as PA and downgrade to an admin clerk as I was forgetting tasks that were given to me by my manager and I began making mistakes. Hydrocephalus has had a big impact on my life but I’m so grateful to everyone who has supported me. People affected by hydrocephalus shouldn’t feel they have to suffer alone as help and is support is out there.”
She is also working with The Brain Tumour Charity to support others who have had a similar experience.
Nicola Ashton, the expert medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Samia, added: “Hydrocephalus is caused by a build-up of fluid on the brain which creates increased pressure, which in turn can damage the brain. If left untreated, hydrocephalus can be fatal, so its impact should never be downplayed.
“The last few years and trying to come to terms with what happened understandably has been incredibly difficult for Samia and her family. She has had a number of concerns about what happened to her; the Trust’s admission that it failed to diagnose her tumour is particularly worrying.
“While nothing can make up for what Samia has been through we’re determined to help her access the specialist therapies she requires. She has shown a huge amount of courage in sharing her story to help others and we join her in supporting this important campaign. It’s also vital that the Trust learns lessons from the issues identified in her care.”
A spokesperson for Manchester University NHS Foundation trust said: “We previously formally apologised to Samia for failing to identify her tumour seven years ago. We will continue to support her both as a patient and as a member of staff.”
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