TV presenter Davina McCall has shared an update five months on from undergoing surgery to remove a rare type of benign brain tumour, called a colloid cyst
Davina McCall has opened up about her recovery journey from a brain tumour, that led to short-term memory loss.
The 57-year-old was diagnosed with a rare benign tumour, known as a colloid cyst, during a routine health check-up in November.
Now, five months after the removal of the cyst, Davina has opened up about her “very hard” recovery process and “rebuilding” herself. She shared: “It’s been interesting, short-term memory loss is a really weird one.
“I’ve had basically Alzheimer’s in return, I was like a very advanced Alzheimer’s patient who could feel herself getting better every day.”
In addition to memory issues, Davina said she “lost so much muscle and fat” due to extended rest after her surgery.
The former Big Brother host discussed her health journey on her podcast Begin Again, where she was joined by Kimberley Wilson, a chartered psychologist and brain health expert.
During their conversation, Kimberley highlighted the importance of fat in some cases regarding health.
“We think that [for] older women who have a little bit more body fat, it will protect them from falls and frailty and that sort of stuff,” she explained.
Relating to Kimberley’s insights, Davina chimed in: “What I’ve just been through, I was basically in bed for two and a half [to] three months.
“I lost so much muscle and fat, I’m literally eating enormous quantities to try and get back, but it’s very hard when you’re older. So, thank god I had a little bit of buffer, not loads but enough, and I’m rebuilding again.”
The mother-of-three has also previously revealed how sleep was crucial to her recovery.
Speaking in an Instagram video post-surgery, she expressed her gratitude towards her partner Michael Douglas and her stepmum Gaby for their support at home.
Addressing her followers, she added: “My short term memory is really improving a lot every day, and it has been an example to me on how much sleep helps me recover from everything.
“So if I feel a bit confused or I’m struggling to kind of concentrate, I just go to sleep and I wake up completely renewed and refreshed, so I know that my brain needs lots of sleep, and [I] just wanted to thank you all for your ongoing support, thanks so much.”
What are colloid cysts?
The Brain Tumour Charity state that a colloid cyst is a fluid-filled growth in the brain, typically seen in people over 30 and non-cancerous.
The growth is usually located near the centre of the brain and is filled with fluid, almost like a water balloon.
What are the symptoms?
While colloid cysts may be asymptomatic, some can suffer from headaches, dizziness, memory challenges, and vision issues.
The charity states that brain tumours can induce memory loss or cognitive difficulties, which could be a result from the tumour’s direct impact on the brain or the effects of its treatment.
Davina initially brushed off symptoms like brain fog and memory issues, attributing them to menopause.
The NHS explains that the symptoms of a brain tumour can vary, depending on which part of the brain is affected.
Common symptoms can include; headaches, seizures, persistent nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, mental or behavioural changes such as memory problems, progressive weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, and/or vision or speech problems.
The health website recommends seeking medical advice if you experience any of these symptoms, especially if you have a headache that feels different from your usual ones, or if your headaches are becoming more severe.