A Cornish woman's brain tumour was misdiagnosed - as vertigo, writes SWNS reporter Flilipa Gaspar.

Ellen Yates, from Illogan, was initially told she had an ear infection and vertigo by her GP. She was then taken to the Royal Cornwall Hospital after suffering dizzy spells and hearing problems. An MRI scan revealed a grade 1 acoustic neuroma.

Ellen was initially told the tumour was stable but in June 2025 she was told it had begun to grow again after years of no significant change.

Ellen, 68, said: “It shocked me, I've asked myself why after ten years it has started growing again.

"I was shocked and scared. Brain tumours are one of the biggest killers, yet research is still so underfunded. The brain is the body’s control centre, it affects everything, and there are more than 100 types of brain tumour that can impact anyone at any time.”

In December 2014, Ellen woke up feeling disoriented, as though she were drunk and staggered into her bathroom.

Her husband, Kev, found her distressed and confused at the top of the stairs. After visiting her GP Ellen was diagnosed with vertigo and an ear infection.

It wasn't until March 2015 that Ellen’s hearing got progressively worse which promoted a visit to the Royal Cornwall where she had an MRI scan.

Ellen said: “At first, I was told I would have another MRI in 12 months.

"But the reality hit me in the shower three days later, that I had something in my head that didn’t belong there, and I wanted it out. I broke down crying.”

The initial diagnosis triggered a downward spiral for Ellen, who suffered from severe anxiety and depression.

She said: “I struggled with suicidal thoughts and felt isolated and unsupported. There was a time when I thought my husband would be better off without me.

"He’d already lost two friends to brain tumours, then I found out he was silently fearing he’d lose me too. Brain tumours don’t just affect the person diagnosed - they put immense strain on loved ones.

“Living with a brain tumour has changed my life in ways I never expected. The tinnitus, fatigue, hearing loss, and balance problems are daily challenges, but I try to stay positive.

"I wear a hearing aid and have regular check-ups. Knowing that surgery is only an option if it grows to 10mm is difficult, but I’m taking things one day at a time.”

Ellen now dedicates her time to supporting others affected by brain tumours and is joining Brain Tumour Research’s Walk of Hope at Torpoint in September to raise vital funds and awareness for the charity.

Ellen said: “I don’t want anyone to feel as alone as I did. That’s why I talk, walk, fundraise, and share my story. Meeting others who have been affected, whether patients or carers, helps. There’s a shared understanding you don’t have to explain.”

Ellen’s drive is also fuelled by grief for her best friend Dawn, who died in 2021 from a glioblastoma, aged 63.

Ellen said: “We’d been best friends since we were four. She was my soul sister. Brain tumours are indiscriminate; they don’t care who you are. That’s why we need more research and more support.”

Letty Greenfield, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Ellen for bravely sharing her story and taking part in our Walk of Hope.

"Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer. Yet just 1 per cent of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease.

"Ellen’s experience highlights the urgent need for increased funding and better patient support.”

To support Ellen’s Walk of Hope fundraiser, visit: www.justgiving.com/page/ellen-yates-4