A woman's brain tumour was mistaken for heatstroke: What you need to know about gliomas, its symptoms and causes

A 22-year-old British woman, Moli Morgon, experienced two seizures while on holiday in Turkey, initially thought to be caused by heatstroke. However, further tests after her return revealed a 4cm glioma , a cancerous brain tumor on the left side of her brain. Gliomas develop when glial cells, which support nerve cells, grow uncontrollably, often forming tumors in the brain or spinal cord.

Gliomas are the most common brain tumors in adults. While anyone can develop a glioma, factors such as age, genetics, and environmental exposure may increase risk. These tumors can range from slow-growing to aggressive and may be life-threatening due to their location and difficult to treat. Symptoms vary but often include headaches, seizures, cognitive difficulties, and changes in vision or speech. Understanding gliomas is crucial for early detection and treatment.


Young woman’s seizures reveal hidden glioma brain tumor
As reported by the BBC, Moli Morgon experienced two seizures while on holiday in Turkey with her boyfriend, without any warning signs before or during the trip. Although she had a migraine earlier but didn’t think it was a big deal and felt fine before the seizures happened

At first, a doctor at the resort thought her seizures were caused by heatstroke because of the hot weather and not drinking enough water. However, after she returned home and had further tests, doctors found a 4cm cancerous brain tumor on the left side of her brain.


What is a Glioma
A glioma is a type of tumor that occurs when glial cells, which support and protect nerve cells, grow uncontrollably. These tumors typically develop in the brain, but can also occur in the spinal cord. Gliomas are cancerous and can range from slow-growing to aggressive. As primary brain tumors, they originate in the brain tissue and tend to stay localized, but can still be life-threatening due to their potential to be difficult to treat surgically and infiltrate surrounding brain tissue.


Signs and symptoms of gliomas
The symptoms of gliomas can vary depending on the location and size of the tumor. Gliomas can cause a range of symptoms including:

• Speech difficulties
• Vision problems or loss
• Cognitive issues (memory, learning, thinking)
• Balance and walking problems
• Dizzines
• Headaches
• Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
• Nausea and vomiting
• Changes in personality
• Seizures

Complications of gliomas brain tumor

Gliomas can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications, including:

• Brain hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain)
• Brain herniation (brain tissue displacement)
• Hydrocephalus (fluid accumulation in the brain)
• Increased intracranial pressure
• Seizures

Who is more prone to glioma brain tumor
Anyone can develop a glioma, but certain factors may increase the risk. These include:

• Age: Older adults (over 65) and children (under 12) are more susceptible.
• Ethnicity: White individuals may be at higher risk.
• Family history: Inherited genetic disorders can play a role.
• Sex: Men are slightly more likely to develop gliomas than women.
• Environmental exposure: Prolonged exposure to radiation or certain toxins may also increase risk.

What causes gliomas?
Gliomas are believed to be caused by DNA changes that disrupt normal cell growth and multiplication. Genes, which contain DNA, provide instructions to cells on how to grow and divide. When genetic mutations occur, cells can multiply uncontrollably, leading to tumor formation. These mutations can be inherited from parents or occur spontaneously during a person's lifetime.