Man diagnosed with ear infection later learns it was a sign of a rare brain tumor
David Dingley, 76, noticed he wasn't hearing properly in June 2023, but assumed he had a bad cold.
His earing issues persisted, and after multiple visits to his GP, he was diagnosed with an ear infection, and later diagnosed with a blocked eustachian tube and referred to an ear, nose, and throat clinic.
The blockage continued for a year, and by September 2024, the issue was unresolved, so David was referred for an MRI scan at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital.
The scan revealed a lesion on his brain, and in November 2024, David underwent two more MRI scans at Southampton General Hospital and confirmed that the lesion was an oligodendroglioma – a rare type of brain tumor.
5 David Dingley, 76, noticed he wasn't hearing properly in June 2023, but assumed he had a bad cold.
Brain Tumour Research / SWNS
Currently, David is undergoing six-monthly scans due to the tumor's minimal blood supply.
David, retired, from Winchester, Hampshire, said: 'I felt absolutely fine, no symptoms whatsoever.
'That's what surprised me the most.
'I had no loss of balance, difficulty with language, no slurred speech, headaches, or blurred vision.
'The diagnosis was shocking.'
David had made multiple visits to his GP since he noticed that he wasn't hearing properly.
5 His earing issues persisted, and after multiple visits to his GP, he was diagnosed with an ear infection, and later diagnosed with a blocked eustachian tube and referred to an ear, nose, and throat clinic.
Brain Tumour Research / SWNS
He was first diagnosed with an ear infection and later a blocked eustachian tube and referred to an ear, nose, and throat clinic.
Despite exercises to ease the blockage, the symptoms continued for more than a year.
By September 2024, with the issue still unresolved, David was referred for an MRI scan at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital.
Although the original symptoms had subsided, the scan revealed something unexpected: a lesion in his brain.
David said, 'Lesion initially conjured up an image of something quite small.
'But as soon as I did a little research, I realised this could be serious and meant I had something significant happening to my brain.
In November 2024, David underwent two more MRI scans at Southampton General Hospital to assess blood flow to the tumor
Doctors diagnosed him with an oligodendroglioma, a rare type of brain tumor.
David was presented with three options: a biopsy, surgery, or continued monitoring.
As he was otherwise fit and healthy, and the tumor showed minimal blood supply, David chose active monitoring.
He now undergoes regular six-monthly scans, with his next one scheduled for later this month.
David said, 'I would never have known I had a brain tumor. I still feel perfectly fine.
'But since my diagnosis, I've met so many others who've either experienced or lost someone to brain cancer.
'They are often told their symptoms are stress or migraines until something truly serious occurs.'
David has been obliged to report his diagnosis to the DVLA, but as he remains symptom-free and the tumor was discovered incidentally, he has retained his driving license.
5 Although the original symptoms had subsided, the scan revealed something unexpected: a lesion in his brain.
Brain Tumour Research / SWNS
5 Doctors diagnosed him with an oligodendroglioma, a rare type of brain tumor.
Brain Tumour Research / SWNS
Determined to raise awareness about how brain tumors can develop undetected and be masked by seemingly minor health issues, David is partnering with Brain Tumor Research and will walk 25km across 16 iconic London bridges on September 21, 2025, as part of the Thames Bridges Trek
David said, 'A time may come when my tumor will cause serious problems.
'But I am fortunate, at least I have the possibility of acting before it does.
'Any brain surgery, even a biopsy, has risks and means you cannot drive for some time, which makes life difficult in today's world!.
5 David has been obliged to report his diagnosis to the DVLA, but as he remains symptom-free and the tumor was discovered incidentally, he has retained his driving licence.
Brain Tumour Research / SWNS
'We need better options and more investment in early detection and non-invasive treatment.'
Brain tumors kill more men under 70 than prostate cancer, yet just 1% of the national spent on cancer research has been allocated to brain tumors since records began in 2002, according to the Brain Tumor Research.
Letty Greenfield, Community Development Manager at Brain Tumor Research, said: 'David's story highlights how easily brain tumors can be missed and the urgent need for more research.
'We're incredibly grateful for his efforts to raise awareness and funds. Every step he takes helps bring us closer to our goal: improving early diagnosis, treatment options, and ultimately finding a cure.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
UPI
19 hours ago
- UPI
Combat sports athletes from poor neighborhoods face greater brain risk
Researchers at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, said participants in combat sports who grew up in poor neighborhoods might be more likely to suffer brain changes associated with degenerative brain disease than their counterparts who grew up in more affluent areas. File Photo by Ian Halperin/UPI | License Photo It's a time-honored and somewhat romantic tale: The young fighter who rises from poverty to make a name for themselves. But reality might take some shine off such stories, a new study says. Participants in combat sports like boxing or mixed martial arts who grew up in poor neighborhoods might be more likely to suffer brain changes associated with degenerative brain disease, compared to fighters who come from affluent backgrounds, researchers report. Specifically, they had smaller brain volumes in regions important for movement and memory, including the thalamus, cerebellum and hippocampus, according to findings published Aug. 13 in Neurology Open Access. "It is well-known that high-impact sports such as professional fighting are at a greater risk of repetitive head injuries," lead researcher Brooke Conway Kleven, a postdoctoral scholar at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, said in a news release. "We found that socioeconomic status may influence how the brain responds to these repetitive impacts." For the study, researchers performed MRI brain scans on 100 professional combat sport athletes. All participants had a minimum of 10 professional fights and were currently active or recently retired from competition. During five years of follow-up, 20% of the fighters developed thinking and memory problems. Analysis revealed that athletes from impoverished neighborhoods had a thinner outer layer in certain brain areas, which can be a sign of early brain degeneration. They also had experienced greater shrinking in several key brain regions, including the thalamus and hippocampus, compared to fighters from well-off neighborhoods. This link remained even after accounting for factors like the fighters' race, ethnicity, income and overall number of fights. "Stressors related to income, employment, education and housing quality may compound the risks of repeated head trauma," Conway Kleven concluded. "Athletes from marginalized or under-resourced communities may face a heavier burden when it comes to brain health." However, researchers noted that because this was an observational study, it could not prove a direct cause-and-effect link between a fighter's economic background and their risk for brain disease, only an association. Further study is needed to validate the results and explore why upbringing might play a role in risk of brain damage, researchers said. "The findings support a broader understanding of brain health -- one that considers not just training or fight history, but also the social and economic context in which people live," Conway Kleven said. "Our study suggests that where someone grows up matters. Recognizing stressors can help inform more equitable approaches to protecting long-term brain health." More information The National Institutes of Health has more on traumatic brain injury. Copyright © 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
National Geographic
a day ago
- National Geographic
This is what happens to your body if your shoes don't fit right
Even comfortable shoes can throw your body out of alignment. Experts reveal how everyday footwear can trigger pain in your back, hips, knees, and more—and what to wear instead. Colored MRI-style X-ray shows a lace-up boot enclosing the foot and directing pressure along the arch and ankle. By shaping how the foot moves and bears weight, footwear like this can influence posture, gait, and pain throughout the body. Photograph By Nick Veasey,Science Photo Library You might not think much about your shoes when running errands—dropping the kids off, picking up groceries, swinging by the pharmacy. But the footwear you choose for these everyday moments could be shaping your health more than you realize. Ill-fitting footwear can worsen or cause foot ailments like bunions, corns, calluses, and toenail issues. 'Your feet are the foundation of your body,' says Miguel Cunha, a podiatrist and owner of Gotham Footcare. 'Having improper footwear, or shoes that are not supporting you, is going to have an impact on the rest of your body, whether it's from the standpoint of fatigue or creating imbalance in anatomical alignment.' Understanding what's behind these changes is the first step to preventing pain that can spread beyond your feet. How your shoes cause pain To move efficiently and without pain, your feet need footwear that supports their natural motion. 'Every time we walk, our feet need to be able to change shape,' says Otto Lam, a physical therapist at Good Reps Therapy. The heel should strike first, the foot should roll forward, and the toes should spread before pushing off—but the wrong shoe can disrupt this sequence. 'If someone with wider feet is in a narrow shoe, perhaps they won't be able to get their foot to fully conform to the ground, or, as we call it, pronate,' Lam says. That restriction can shorten steps and force the hips and lower back to work harder to move forward. Over time, these small compensations can lead to persistent pain, throw off your gait, strain your joints, and exacerbate balance issues. Colored MRI-style X-ray shows a stiletto shoe elevating the heel and forcing the foot into a downward angle. This altered position shifts body weight forward, changing gait mechanics and increasing strain on the knees, hips, and lower back. Photograph By Nick Veasey, Science Photo Library Certain shoe styles create their own problems. Flip-flops, for instance, 'can cause us to grip or claw our toes to keep [the shoes] on,' Lam says. The gripping prevents the toes from relaxing or spreading out, which is necessary for standard walking mechanics. Not only can it create tension in the arches, but it may also cause pain in the calf muscles. Flatter or worn shoes with little arch support can also cause inner knee pain. High heels shift body weight forward, straining the forefoot and lower back. Slip-ons, minimalist shoes, and platforms can limit stability or natural motion, causing muscles to overwork. (Why walking barefoot can actually help your feet.) Even a single uncomfortable shoe can change how you walk. 'Let's say my right foot is uncomfortable and not my left in that shoe that I choose for whatever reason,' Lam says. 'I'm going to shorten my stride and put more weight on the other leg putting more stress on that side's knee, hip, and lower back.' Whether it's a bad fit, worn-out cushioning, or a mismatch between shoe design and foot shape, the wrong footwear can quietly set off a chain reaction of discomfort throughout the body. How to identify shoe-related pain One of the first things Cunha asks his patients to do is place their shoes on the exam table—because the wear patterns tell a story. 'We all pronate when we walk, which is when our arch collapses. But if you overpronate then, you're obviously going to have more wear and tear on the inside of the shoe and on the heel.' This causes your foot to roll inward, followed by your leg, which can lead to various issues, including plantar fasciitis on the foot, Achilles tendonitis in the ankle, inner knee pain, hip pain, and lower back pain. (The overlooked key to fitness? Strengthening your joints and tendons.) To pinpoint the cause, Cunha often performs a gait analysis. Sometimes it's done in the office, but even a simple video of a patient walking toward and away from the camera can reveal abnormalities in stride or posture. These clues help determine whether pain stems from the body's mechanics or from footwear that doesn't match the wearer's needs. 'Even if you don't have foot problems, if you have back problems, I'd recommend custom orthotics,' Cunha says. While over-the-counter inserts can help in mild cases, custom orthotics are molded to your foot's unique shape and movement pattern, making them more effective for correcting imbalances that lead to chronic pain. How to find the proper footwear for you Once you know what's causing the pain, focus on finding shoes that match your foot shape and movement. Flat feet may benefit from stability shoes with firm midsoles, while high arches often need extra cushioning to absorb shock. Wide feet require shoes with a roomier toe box, while narrow feet may need a snugger fit to avoid slipping. Both Cunha and Lam recommend shopping for shoes in person. Not only can you test the fit for yourself, but you can also get your foot measured with a Brannock Device by someone who knows how to interpret the measurements. The device measures length, width, and arch length to determine the best shoe size. 'I always tell patients to buy their shoes at the end of the day when their feet are most swollen and they're in their worst shape due to the cumulative effect of effects of gravity,' Cunha says. Putting on a shoe that fits properly should provide some relief to your body. 'You can feel it in your back. You'll feel lighter. Even walking around the store, you'll feel your back pain ease up a little bit.' For durability and anatomical support, Cunha recommends choosing shoes approved by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. 'The shoe brands I recommend are Hoka, Brooks, Saucony, New Balance, and ASICS,' he says. 'They're fit over fashion.' (The definitive list of running shoes for every kind of runner, according to pros.) It's also important to remember that even the best shoes have a lifespan. Walking or running shoes often last 300–500 miles, or about 6–12 months of regular wear. Everyday sneakers may last longer, but should be replaced when the tread wears down, the midsole feels flat, or new aches develop. Inspect them regularly for worn soles, compressed cushioning, or changes in support, and pay attention to any new aches in your feet or ankles that a shift in activity can't explain, Lam says. Ultimately, the right shoe is the one that feels good on both feet and supports the way you naturally move. 'Our bodies are interconnected,' Cunha says. 'You have to treat the whole body and treat its individual components.'
New York Post
2 days ago
- New York Post
Man diagnosed with ear infection later learns it was a sign of a rare brain tumor
A man was told that his ear infection was actually a sign of a rare brain tumor. David Dingley, 76, noticed he wasn't hearing properly in June 2023, but assumed he had a bad cold. His earing issues persisted, and after multiple visits to his GP, he was diagnosed with an ear infection, and later diagnosed with a blocked eustachian tube and referred to an ear, nose, and throat clinic. The blockage continued for a year, and by September 2024, the issue was unresolved, so David was referred for an MRI scan at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital. The scan revealed a lesion on his brain, and in November 2024, David underwent two more MRI scans at Southampton General Hospital and confirmed that the lesion was an oligodendroglioma – a rare type of brain tumor. 5 David Dingley, 76, noticed he wasn't hearing properly in June 2023, but assumed he had a bad cold. Brain Tumour Research / SWNS Currently, David is undergoing six-monthly scans due to the tumor's minimal blood supply. David, retired, from Winchester, Hampshire, said: 'I felt absolutely fine, no symptoms whatsoever. 'That's what surprised me the most. 'I had no loss of balance, difficulty with language, no slurred speech, headaches, or blurred vision. 'The diagnosis was shocking.' David had made multiple visits to his GP since he noticed that he wasn't hearing properly. 5 His earing issues persisted, and after multiple visits to his GP, he was diagnosed with an ear infection, and later diagnosed with a blocked eustachian tube and referred to an ear, nose, and throat clinic. Brain Tumour Research / SWNS He was first diagnosed with an ear infection and later a blocked eustachian tube and referred to an ear, nose, and throat clinic. Despite exercises to ease the blockage, the symptoms continued for more than a year. By September 2024, with the issue still unresolved, David was referred for an MRI scan at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital. Although the original symptoms had subsided, the scan revealed something unexpected: a lesion in his brain. David said, 'Lesion initially conjured up an image of something quite small. 'But as soon as I did a little research, I realised this could be serious and meant I had something significant happening to my brain. In November 2024, David underwent two more MRI scans at Southampton General Hospital to assess blood flow to the tumor Doctors diagnosed him with an oligodendroglioma, a rare type of brain tumor. David was presented with three options: a biopsy, surgery, or continued monitoring. As he was otherwise fit and healthy, and the tumor showed minimal blood supply, David chose active monitoring. He now undergoes regular six-monthly scans, with his next one scheduled for later this month. David said, 'I would never have known I had a brain tumor. I still feel perfectly fine. 'But since my diagnosis, I've met so many others who've either experienced or lost someone to brain cancer. 'They are often told their symptoms are stress or migraines until something truly serious occurs.' David has been obliged to report his diagnosis to the DVLA, but as he remains symptom-free and the tumor was discovered incidentally, he has retained his driving license. 5 Although the original symptoms had subsided, the scan revealed something unexpected: a lesion in his brain. Brain Tumour Research / SWNS 5 Doctors diagnosed him with an oligodendroglioma, a rare type of brain tumor. Brain Tumour Research / SWNS Determined to raise awareness about how brain tumors can develop undetected and be masked by seemingly minor health issues, David is partnering with Brain Tumor Research and will walk 25km across 16 iconic London bridges on September 21, 2025, as part of the Thames Bridges Trek David said, 'A time may come when my tumor will cause serious problems. 'But I am fortunate, at least I have the possibility of acting before it does. 'Any brain surgery, even a biopsy, has risks and means you cannot drive for some time, which makes life difficult in today's world!. 5 David has been obliged to report his diagnosis to the DVLA, but as he remains symptom-free and the tumor was discovered incidentally, he has retained his driving licence. Brain Tumour Research / SWNS 'We need better options and more investment in early detection and non-invasive treatment.' Brain tumors kill more men under 70 than prostate cancer, yet just 1% of the national spent on cancer research has been allocated to brain tumors since records began in 2002, according to the Brain Tumor Research. Letty Greenfield, Community Development Manager at Brain Tumor Research, said: 'David's story highlights how easily brain tumors can be missed and the urgent need for more research. 'We're incredibly grateful for his efforts to raise awareness and funds. Every step he takes helps bring us closer to our goal: improving early diagnosis, treatment options, and ultimately finding a cure.'
