Little-known first signs of brain cancer everyone should know – after disease kills Theo Burrell at 38, who initially suffered car sickness

Tributes have poured in for the young star of Antiques Roadshow, Theo Burrell, who died on Wednesday aged just 38. 

The auctioneer, who has appeared on the BBC programme since 2018, was diagnosed with the most serious type of brain tumour in 2022, a glioblastoma.

The mother-of-one outlived the bleak prognosis associated with the cancer, which is typically 12-18 months, thanks to surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy – and she shared part of her journey with her Instagram followers. 

But what is less known is one of the first symptoms that signalled something was wrong back in 2021, which most would likely dismiss. 

During Christmas that year – then aged 35 – she experienced car sickness during a long journey, Ms Burrell told Brain Tumour Research last year. 

‘It was strange because I never got car sick,’ she said. ‘I was also having migraines which made me really sick, and I was having problems with my vision. My son, Jonah, was one at the time and had recently started nursery so I thought I may have picked up a stomach bug.’

It wasn’t until the summer of 2022 that the antiques specialist was offered a CT scan at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary after a visit to A&E due to severe migraines. 

Doctors discovered a lethal glioblastoma and advised that an operation would be needed immediately to remove the cancer. 

Surgeons removed 90 per cent of the tumour and Ms Burrell underwent further treatment to destroy the cancer cells. 

However the tumours are notoriously deadly and only five to 10 per cent of patients will survive more than five years. 

But experts say that spotting the signs early can give you the best chances of successful treatment – and not all of them are complaints you’d typically associate with a brain tumour. 

You’re suddenly seeing double 

In cases of glioblastoma, double vision is a common symptom. 

It is typically caused by increased pressure on the brain caused by swelling or the tumour itself pressing on nerves controlling eye movement. 

You need the toilet more often

Figures released by Glioblastoma Research found that nearly half – 40 per cent – of patients experience urinary incontinence. 

This can be because tumours – especially ones near the spinal cord – can affect the nerves that control the bladder and pelvic muscles. 

Sudden incontinence can be an early warning sign of glioblastoma and always warrants further investigation.

Suddenly you’re dropping things  

Many people with glioblastoma experience weakness in their arms and legs, which can present as a sudden clumsiness. 

This is because the tumour damages the motor cortex, the part of the brain that controls movement. It can manifest as weakness on one side of the body or a loss of overall coordination. 

It was the first symptom experienced by HGV driver Phil Edmondson, who found out he had less than 18 months to live after he began losing feeling in his right hand.

After initially dismissing his early symptoms as ‘clumsiness’, Mr Edmondson, 39, found out he was dying from brain cancer after his GP referred him for a CT scan. 

His wife Natalie told the Daily Mail: ‘It started with him dropping things more than usual. Then he kept getting pins and needles. We thought it might just be from driving all day.’

With his mobility affected, he is no longer able to work or drive, and even simple daily tasks have become challenging.

‘You don’t realise how often you use your dominant hand until you can’t. 

‘Even making a sandwich or filling our little one’s milk bottle can be frustrating because it’s so much harder for him now.’

You feel sick all the time  

Brain tumours affect intracranial pressure as they grow in size, making the patient feel sick. 

They can also affect hormone levels which can lead to unrelenting nausea. 

Exhausted despite getting plenty of sleep  

A grinding sense of exhaustion is one of the most commonly experienced symptoms of glioblastoma. 

The Brain Tumour Charity say that it is caused by the body trying its hardest to naturally defend against the cancerous mass. 

 ‘The development, growth and progression of a tumour and the body’s response to it, involves the destruction of tumour cells and the repairing of tissue, which uses a lot of energy,’  their experts explain. 

‘Your body is working harder, diverting energy normally used on everyday living to fight the tumour.’

Hearing things – and ringing ears  

One of the rarest symptoms of glioblastoma is tinnitus, where you hear a constant buzzing or ringing in the ears. 

It typically happens if the tumour is pressing against the auditory nerve – vestibulocochlear – or is growing in the part of the brain that processes sound. 

Auditory hallucinations, as they are known, can be caused by brain tumours that are both cancerous and benign.

These hallucinations can happen if the tumour is located in the temporal lobe, the part of the brain which processes sound, understands language and encodes memory.

It can also happen if the tumour is pressed against a nerve which sends signals from the ear to the brain.

A tumour here can also cause difficulty with hearing and speaking, according to Cancer Research.

Can’t tell if a cup of tea is hot or cold  

Depending on its size and location in the brain, some people may notice that their sense of touch is negatively affected by the tumour.

Some may lose the capacity to feel different temperatures, sharp edges, light touches or pressure and weight being placed upon them. 

You’re much more irritable  

It is not uncommon for people with glioblastoma to develop psychological issues and mood disorders – and not only because they are struggling to accept their diagnosis. 

The tumours themselves can trigger abnormal behaviours, from losing inhibitions to becoming irritable and withdrawn. 

Unexplained pins and needles  

If the tumour is located in the sensory cortex or parietal lobe of the brain it can cause numbness and tingling elsewhere in the body. 

The most commonly reported areas affected are the limbs, and this can be an early symptom or a warning sign that the condition is getting worse. 

In some cases, the tingling is actually caused by miniature seizures in the brain.