Mum's brain tumour diagnosed with private MRI after NHS 'brush off'

Claire Davidson, 37, of Inverness, who owns a bridal shop in the city, began experiencing extreme fatigue, balance problems, facial numbness and hearing loss in her right ear early last year. Despite visiting her GP and attending Raigmore Hospital, a brain tumour was not suspected, and a CT scan showed no abnormality.

Her husband Scott Davidson, 40, a gardener, said the family were left desperately searching for answers as Claire’s symptoms continued to worsen, with the couple feeling “brushed off”.

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The couple, who have two children Niko, five, and Vienna, three, decided to pay for a private MRI scan in Glasgow, which gave them a result the following day.

Mr Davidson said he wanted to raise his wife’s case and support calls by Brain Tumour Research, which wants greater investment in brain tumour research.

He said: “Claire’s not one of these people who moans about things. If she’s got a sore head, she won’t even take a paracetamol. She’s always been someone who just gets on with it. So, when she kept saying something wasn’t right, I knew there had to be something more going on.

“She knows her own body and kept saying things didn’t feel normal, so she went to Raigmore Hospital one evening with her mum but left without knowing anymore. Over the following weekend her symptoms worsened, so I took her back to hospital.

“They eventually agreed to do a CT scan, but nothing showed up, and brain tumours weren’t even mentioned. We were still completely in the dark.”

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After deciding to go to Glasgow for the MRI scan, Mr Davidson described a “hellish” wait for results.

Mr Davidson said: “The next day, Claire got a phone call from the GP confirming she had a really large tumour. At first, it was described as brain cancer and that completely floored us. I didn’t know what to think or say.”

Further investigations revealed Claire had a non-cancerous vestibular schwannoma – a low-grade brain tumour affecting the nerve responsible for hearing and balance.

Ms Davidson underwent major surgery in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in March last year. Surgeons were able to reduce the size of the tumour, but it could not be removed completely due to its location near vital nerves and its proximity to the brainstem. Further major surgery followed in November, although recovery remains difficult and Ms Davidson has not been able to work for more than a year.

Her husband said: “Despite everything she has been through, Claire has shown phenomenal strength. Honestly, I’ve never met anyone so strong in my life. I’m so proud of the way she’s handled everything.”

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In a major milestone for the family, a recent MRI scan has shown no signs of regrowth of the remaining tumour, exactly one year on from her first operation.

Mr Davidson said: “We honestly can’t put into words how it feels after Claire’s latest scan – we’re over the moon. It’s been a long, hard year and there’s still a way to go, but it’s the kind of good news we’ve been hoping for.”

Ashley McWilliams, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “Claire and Scott’s story is a powerful reminder of the devastating impact a brain tumour diagnosis can have on an entire family.

“We are calling on the Scottish Government to prioritise brain tumours as a cancer of unmet need and improve access to diagnosis, treatment and research.”

The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.