A ‘fit and healthy’ woman who initially attributed her daily seizure episodes to the menopause was stunned to discover she had a rare brain tumour. Jennifer Rademeyer, 42, experienced up to six seizures a day before seeking medical advice in January 2023.
The commercial data executive assumed the recurring 10-second “fuzzy” sensations were due to hormonal changes associated with perimenopause. Despite these symptoms, she maintained her active lifestyle, working full-time and engaging in strenuous exercise, including running half marathons.
However, nine months later in March 2024, after visiting her GP, neurological tests revealed a rare ganglioglioma brain tumour measuring an inch long. Now, just over a year since her diagnosis, she is advocating for increased investment in research into the disease, reports Surrey Live.
Jennifer, from Leatherhead, Surrey, described: “The seizures were like I’d been warped into a different dimension. An anxious and nauseous feeling rose from my stomach and all I wanted to do was curl up in a ball, I thought it could be perimenopause or a sign I hadn’t eaten enough.
“These episodes lasted around 10 seconds and over nine months went from happening monthly to up to six times in a day. There was a six-week wait for biopsy results because I was told my tumour is complex.”
“No one should have to face an agonising wait for answers. That’s one of the reasons I’m supporting Brain Tumour Research, to help fund the research that could speed up this process.” Jennifer revealed she first began experiencing symptoms just over two years ago, at the age of 40.
The episodes initially occurred on a “monthly” basis before escalating to daily occurrences. She described the “fuzzy” spells as unpredictable, explaining: “They came on when I was doing anything, watching TV, running or working”.
She continued: “They were unpleasant and I got on with things, I thought it was nothing and thought it was something I needed to deal with [and live with].
“Though I still kept up with a full-time job and my active lifestyle, running half marathons.” Jennifer suspected they might be connected to hormonal fluctuations and perimenopause, prompting her to consult her GP about the symptoms.
She explained: “I went to the GP and explained my symptoms, which I thought could be perimenopause. The GP then referred me to a cardiologist but nothing was found.”
However, Jennifer’s seizures continued to deteriorate and it was only when she returned in July 2023 and described the symptoms that the GP referred her to a neurologist. She underwent her first CT scan in October 2023 which revealed a small tumour, though Jennifer noted: “At that point they weren’t sure if it was ganglioglioma”.
A ganglioglioma is a rare, slow-growing brain tumour which affects the body’s central nervous system. They make up 2% of all brain tumours, according to Brain Tumour Research.
Seizures are a common initial symptom, especially when the tumor is near the temporal lobe. Other symptoms can include headache, nausea, and vomiting.
Jennifer revealed that she had to undergo “monitoring scans” until March 2024, when doctors diagnosed her with a ganglioglioma that “needed operating”. This diagnosis forced Jennifer to quit her job.
Just a month after her diagnosis on 18 April 2024, she underwent a successful five-hour debulking surgery at St George’s Hospital in London. Post-surgery, Jennifer shared that she is now being monitored with regular scans, and her seizures have become less frequent.
She also experienced a period of double vision following the surgery, which has since improved. Jennifer is now collaborating with the charity Brain Tumour Research to raise funds and awareness for the disease.
She hopes her ’88 squats a day’ challenge – which she has been doing throughout July – will help fund research that could expedite this process. Jennifer said: “Faster results could mean quicker access to treatment and better outcomes.”
Charlie Allsebrook, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, praised: “Jennifer’s strength in the face of such a life-changing diagnosis is truly inspiring. Her determination to turn her experience into something positive shows incredible resilience. Stories like hers highlight why we must invest more in research to improve outcomes. We’re so grateful to have her support and together we will find a cure for all types of brain tumours.”
To contribute to Brain Tumour Research through Jennifer’s 88 Squats a Day in July Challenge, please visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jennifer1749752787050.