1. Callum Salcauld's Discovery: A Tumour Uncovered
2. Optician's Vigilance Saves a Life
3. A Tumour and a Cyst: The Root of the Agony
4. Surgery and Recovery: A Journey of Perseverance
5. Gratitude and Lessons Learned
6. Brain Tumours: Understanding the Symptoms
7. Persistent headaches

Callum Salcauld's Discovery: A Tumour Uncovered

Callum Salcauld, a 15-year-old from Whitley Bay, endured months of relentless headaches, leading his mother to assume video game consoles were the culprit. However, an unexpected appointment with an optician revealed a devastating truth: a brain tumour.

Optician's Vigilance Saves a Life

Worried about their son's persistent headaches, Alison and Chris Salcauld took Callum to their GP, who suggested an eye exam to rule out any underlying issues. At the optician's office in Cramlington, Northumberland, a routine eye test revealed a concerning swelling optic nerve, prompting further investigation.

A Tumour and a Cyst: The Root of the Agony

A CT scan in January 2016 exposed the presence of a high-grade tumour in Callum's brain. While the tumour itself caused discomfort, the primary source of Callum's headaches was a cyst pressing against the optic nerve. The combined effect of the two conditions amplified the pain.

Surgery and Recovery: A Journey of Perseverance

Callum was admitted to the hospital and placed under a course of steroids to reduce the swelling. A subsequent MRI provided a more detailed view of the tumour's location and spread. The tumour was found to be located behind the eyeball, affecting the cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for coordination. Following several coordination tests, Callum narrowly passed a straight line walk.

The next day, Callum underwent a six-hour-long surgery to remove both the cyst and the tumour. Following a speedy recovery, he was discharged from the hospital just a week later.

Gratitude and Lessons Learned

Alison expressed her relief at the timely discovery of her son's condition, emphasizing the importance of regular eye check-ups. Optician Ruth Moore stressed the value of routine eye tests in detecting a wide range of health issues, even life-threatening conditions like tumours.

Brain Tumours: Understanding the Symptoms

Benign brain tumours are slow-growing masses of cells within the brain. They typically remain localized and do not spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms of low-grade or benign brain tumours vary depending on their size and location in the brain, but common signs include:

Persistent headaches

Seizures
Persistent nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness

Mental or behavioral changes, such as memory problems or personality shifts

Progressive weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, vision problems, or speech difficulties

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