A Devon man has shared his harrowing story after discovering that years of suffering from tinnitus were actually a symptom of a serious brain tumour.
From Tinnitus to a Terrifying Diagnosis
Darren Harris, a 59-year-old retired IT functional analyst from Paignton in Devon, was initially diagnosed with tinnitus two years before his life-changing discovery. Tinnitus, a condition causing constant ringing or buzzing in the ears without an external source, affects an estimated 7.6 million people in the UK.
However, after undergoing a routine hearing test in 2015, doctors referred him for further investigations. In March of that year, scans delivered devastating news: Mr Harris had an inoperable tentorial meningioma. This is a slow-growing, low-grade tumour located at the base of his brain.
Although non-cancerous, this type of tumour can cause a range of debilitating symptoms including:
- Ear ringing (tinnitus)
- Blurred vision and headaches
- Hearing loss and a poor sense of smell
- Problems with swallowing
Recalling the moment of diagnosis, Mr Harris said: 'I knew something wasn't right, but no one would tell me why. When I was finally referred to a neurosurgeon, my world fell apart. They told me I had a brain tumour.'
Cutting-Edge Treatment and Lasting Side Effects
Faced with an inoperable tumour, Mr Harris was offered a pioneering procedure called gamma knife radiosurgery at Sheffield's Northern General Hospital. This advanced technique uses over 300 precise beams of radiation to destroy tumour cells while sparing healthy surrounding tissue.
'It was cutting edge,' he explained. 'They bolted a metal frame to my skull to keep me completely still, mapped the tumour in 3D, and then targeted it precisely.' The treatment came at a cost of £35,000, which was covered by private health insurance.
While the procedure successfully targeted the tumour, it came with significant risks and lasting consequences. Mr Harris now lives with epilepsy and was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation – an irregular heartbeat – believed to be caused by the stress of seizures. He has undergone multiple heart procedures and continues to experience neurological side effects like visual impairment and pins and needles down his left side.
A Decade On: Fundraising for Future Hope
Now, ten years after his initial diagnosis, Darren and his wife Sharon, 57, are channelling their experience into positive action. They recently hosted a fundraising event for the charity Brain Tumour Research, raising more than £800.
'Reaching 10 years since my brain tumour diagnosis is something I never take for granted,' Mr Harris stated. 'I know how incredibly lucky I am to still be here, and that's only because of the treatments and knowledge we have today.'
He emphasised the critical need for ongoing investment: 'But too many people aren't as fortunate, and that's why funding into brain tumour research is absolutely vital. We need continued investment so that more people can reach milestones like this.'
Between 2,000 and 3,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with a meningioma each year, with the condition being more common in women. Treatment for inoperable cases like Mr Harris's often involves radiation therapy and medication to control growth.
Mr Harris concluded with a message of support and a call for donations: 'For anyone at the start of their brain tumour journey, take one day at a time and listen to your surgeons. For those that can, please donate to the Brain Tumour Research Christmas Appeal. A donation as little as £5 can fund vital research that will ultimately save lives.'
