World Cancer Day is on 4 February, which aims to highlight the progress that has been made in treating cancer, and the numerous challenges that cancer patients still face. One of the most challenging types of cancer to treat is brain cancer, yet this remains an underresearched and underfunded area of medical science.

At Amethyst Radiotherapy, we provide one of the most effective and advanced treatments for both benign and cancerous brain tumours: Gamma Knife surgery. This isn’t surgery in the traditional sense, because it does not involve making physical incisions into the head. It’s a specialised form of stereotactic radiotherapy.

Here’s a closer look at the aims of World Cancer Day and the specific challenges faced by brain tumour patients, the main approaches to treatment, and who could benefit from Gamma Knife surgery.

A personalised approach to care

The theme for 2025’s World Cancer Day is “United by Unique”, and the aim is to shift the focus to treating the person as well as the disease. Everyone’s experience of cancer is different, and this can be particularly true when it involves a cancer of such a complex organ as the brain.

The importance of early diagnosis

Early diagnosis is essential for the best treatment outcomes, yet the symptoms of a brain tumour can affect everyone in unique ways. Furthermore, some types of brain tumour are relatively rare, and the symptoms can be similar to other health conditions.

This means that there can be a general lack of awareness of the warning signs, or they can be misdiagnosed, delaying the beginning of potentially life-saving treatment.

What are the most common symptoms of a brain tumour?

As previously mentioned, brain tumour symptoms are diverse. Different areas of the brain control every essential function in the body, and the symptoms can depend on the size, type, and location of the tumour. According to the Brain Tumour Charity, about half of all brain tumour patients present to their GP with the primary symptom of headaches.

It’s important to note that in most cases, a headache is not a sign of a brain tumour. However, a headache that is worse in the morning; does not respond to painkillers; gets worse over time; or is more intense during vigorous movements such as coughing, bending or shouting may be a sign of a tumour.

If the headaches are accompanied by other new symptoms, this may also require investigation. For example, nausea and vomiting; muscle weakness or numbness; seizures; dizziness; changes in vision; personality changes; memory problems or other cognitive difficulties.

How are brain tumours treated?

As with the symptoms, the treatment of a brain tumour depends on the size, type, and location of the tumour, as well as factors individual to the patient, such as their age, general state of health, and personal wishes. The main treatments are surgery; radiotherapy; chemotherapy; and steroids.

Who is most suitable for radiotherapy?

Radiotherapy involves using precisely targeted beams of radiation to kill the tumour cells, while causing no or minimal damage to the surrounding healthy brain tissue. It can be used when conventional surgery is considered too risky; to destroy any tumour cells that remain after surgery; or to slow down the progression of a tumour or prevent it returning.

What is Gamma Knife Surgery?

Gamma Knife is a form of stereotactic radiosurgery, which involves directing multiple gamma radiation beams from different angles at the tumour site. This means that the tumour cells receive a much higher dose of radiation than via standard radiotherapy, and usually the patient only requires one treatment session.

The medical team will use highly advanced imaging technology, including MRI or CT scans of the brain, to precisely locate the size and position of the tumour. This enables them to calculate the intensity and angle of the gamma rays to within a fraction of a millimetre, ensuring that the surrounding cells remain untouched.

Gamma Knife surgery is most often used to treat smaller tumours with a defined edge, such as acoustic neuromas, meningiomas and pituitary adenomas, and functional disorders like trigeminal neuralgia.

However, as we have seen, all brain tumour cases are unique, and ultimately the treatment pathway will depend on multiple factors.

Gamma Knife surgery is less invasive and will usually have fewer side effects than other forms of radiotherapy or surgery. It’s considered to be an effective form of treatment when used for certain types of brain tumour, and usually the patient experiences minimal discomfort and can return to their normal activities within a day or two.

The wider picture of cancer treatments

Of course, even the most cutting-edge treatments can’t take away all of the distress and disruption that a brain tumour or other cancer causes for the patient and their loved ones.

There are many challenges to face, such as the impact on careers and finances; changes in personality; fatigue that makes completing usual activities impossible; extra caring or financial responsibilities placed on partners or family members; and much more.

The World Cancer Day website explains that by taking a people-centred approach to care, patients can have more autonomy over the whole process. It can widen their access to treatments, close disparities and remove barriers, and give them the opportunity to make well-informed decisions about how, when and where they are treated.

This can lead to a higher quality of care and better outcomes for the patient, both during the treatment process and the recovery phase.

Furthermore, a humanised approach to the healthcare system takes into account the patient’s emotional as well as physical wellbeing. It increases the level of trust and improves communication between the medical team, the patient, and their family and friends.

This means that the patient is treated within the broader context of their social, cultural and spiritual life. Ultimately it helps healthcare systems to become more inclusive and closely integrated with the needs of the community that they serve.

This is not to put all the onus on the patient to drive change, as it needs to be supported by governments and organisations with new policies, funding, resources, training and education. However, by acknowledging and sharing your own story, it can contribute to the bigger aim of equitable and first-class cancer treatment for all.

Managing a brain tumour is a challenge, even if you are under the supervision of an expert medical team. If you have been diagnosed with a high-grade cancerous tumour, then you will be undergoing a highly specialised treatment plan that might include neurosurgery, anti-cancer therapies, or a form of stereotactic radiotherapy such as Gamma Knife surgery.

You can optimise your medical treatment by eating a nutritious and well-balanced diet. While there’s no specific diet that can directly treat a brain tumour, healthy eating choices will help your body to withstand and recover from the treatment process better. It will also help to protect you from developing further health problems such as heart disease or diabetes.

Here’s a look at how good nutrition can support you during your brain cancer treatment and recovery process.

Why is it important for brain tumour patients to eat well?

The brain requires a lot of energy to function optimally, and a brain tumour can significantly impair this process. The most common treatments for brain tumours, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiosurgery, place further stress on the body, and can also make eating and drinking more difficult for some people.

A healthy diet can help to support the immune system, reducing the risk of infections post-surgery. It will also boost your energy levels, which will help to combat fatigue, a common side effect of brain tumour treatment or the cancer itself. Good nutrition will also enable your body to heal and repair, and recover from the side effects of treatment.

Staying well hydrated is also important to allow the body to process medications more effectively and guard against the risk of bladder infections and constipation.

What type of foods are recommended for brain tumour patients?

Eating a varied and well-balanced diet is more important than consuming specific foods. A dietician or your care team can provide you with tailored advice, because the side effects of a brain tumour and the treatments can affect people in different ways.

If you want to follow a specific diet or take supplements, you should consult your care team first, because you may be consuming high doses of vitamins and minerals that could interfere with your treatment.

The principles of a balanced diet

A balanced diet should include at least five portions of fruits and vegetables per day; lean proteins; wholegrain fibre; and smaller portions of dairy products and unsaturated fats. Some research suggests that eating a diet that is high in plant-based foods and low in animal fats may protect against the risk of cancer.

This includes limiting the consumption of red meat and increasing the intake of poultry, fish, beans and pulses. Sugar is not thought to directly contribute to cancer risk, but it can lead to weight gain, which increases the risk of other health complications such as obesity, heart disease, and high blood pressure that can affect brain cancer treatment outcomes.

Common diet challenges of brain tumour patients

Brain cancer and the treatment and side effects can disrupt your usual eating patterns, making it more difficult to follow a balanced diet. The Brain Tumour Charity provides some useful detailed information about eating well with a brain tumour. Here are the main points.

Nausea and vomiting

The tumour itself, or the side effects of medication, can cause brain tumour patients to feel nauseous or to vomit. If you are facing this problem, talk to your care team as they may be able to prescribe an anti-sickness medication. Some people find that peppermint, lemon or ginger can help to ease feelings of nausea.

Other useful strategies include eating smaller and more frequent meals rather than three bigger meals per day; avoiding rich fatty foods; eating plain foods that are easy to digest, such as crackers, breakfast cereals, and yoghurt; and frequently sipping water or carbonated drinks in between meals to stay hydrated.

Loss of appetite

Undereating can lead to malnourishment that could impact your recovery and treatment, so if you have a reduced appetite it’s important to ensure you are consuming enough calories, vitamins and minerals. Staying active, setting reminders to eat, and eating your biggest meal of the day when your appetite is strongest can help you to stay well nourished.

If you feel low in energy, avoid consuming sugary products as these will only have a short term effect. Try eating smaller snacks with complex carbs, or asking for help with shopping and prepping meals if you are too fatigued to cook a full meal.

Increased appetite

Certain medications may over-stimulate the appetite, particularly steroids. Some patients may also overeat for emotional reasons; for example, in an attempt to combat feelings of anxiety, depression, or boredom. This can lead to weight gain that could affect the outcome of the treatment and increase the likelihood of the cancer recurring.

To help manage overeating, try eating low-fat foods that are high in protein and fibre, such as lentils, beans, whole grains, fish and eggs. These will help you to feel fuller for longer. Gentle exercise can help you to manage weight and also boost your mood and distract you from comfort eating.

A balanced approach is key

A healthy diet is important to help you manage symptoms, maintain energy levels, and support recovery from a brain tumour and the treatment. If you are struggling with any aspect of your nutrition, it’s important to seek medical advice.

Balanced eating should include foods that you enjoy, and consuming moderate amounts from all of the major food groups (carbs; protein; dairy; fruits and vegetables; and fats and sugars). You may find advice about specific diets such as the ketogenic diet that can help to treat brain cancer.

However, there is limited evidence for this, and the best approach is to eat a well balanced diet, and consult a medical professional before making any changes.

If you would like more detailed information about brain tumour treatment, please contact Prof. Andrew McAvoy of Amethyst Radiotherapy.

Amethyst Radiotherapy UK is proud to announce an impressive 84% growth in the number of patients annually treated in 2024, compared to 2020 when Amethyst Healthcare acquired the network. This development includes a 70.1% increase in NHS patients, underscoring Amethyst’s commitment to work in partnership with the health service in order to deliver the highest quality of cancer care, driving down waiting times and improving patient outcomes.

Amethyst UK operates two stereotactic ‘centres of excellence’, in London and Sheffield. Both dedicated to delivering state-of-the-art Gamma Knife treatment. Gamma Knife is not a knife in the normal sense of the word. No incisions are made in the patient’s head. Instead, very precisely focused beams of radiation are directed to the treatment area in the brain, optimised to hit only the target while preserving healthy tissue.

It offers a safe and effective treatment for more than 80,000 patients worldwide every year. The treatment procedure is simple and straightforward.

Sophie Ward, Group Chief Marketing Officer, commented:

“We are thrilled to see such robust growth in the number of patients we’ve been able to treat over the past four years. This is a testament to the work of the entire Amethyst team, which has enabled such a huge number of patients to benefit from our world-leading services.

With the NHS under such intense pressure, we stand ready to provide further support if necessary in order to drive down waiting times and provide for patients.

To deliver this growth throughout such a challenging period including the COVID pandemic, speaks volumes about what Amethyst is capable of providing. We look forward to building on this success, benefiting both NHS and private patients.”

Looking ahead, Amethyst Radiotherapy UK plans to expand its capabilities and enhance its service offerings to meet the growing demand for cancer care. The company’s vision includes partnerships with NHS trusts and private healthcare providers to ensure that patients receive timely and effective treatment.

About Amethyst Radiotherapy UK Amethyst Radiotherapy is a leading provider of advanced radiotherapy services, dedicated to delivering world-class cancer care. With a focus on innovative treatment solutions and compassionate care, Amethyst strives to improve the quality of life for patients across the UK and beyond.

Amethyst Healthcare is a leading European provider of cancer care, specialising in radiation therapy and non-invasive outpatient treatments for a wide range of tumour types.

We are delighted that members of our medical team have presented at the 9th Annual Meeting of the British Radiosurgery Society (BRSS), which took place in Birmingham on January 23-24. Amethyst Radiotherapy also provided sponsorship for the event.

On Friday 24 January, Mr Matthias Radatz chaired a panel discussion titled: “What’s the Limit to the Number of Metastases That We Can Treat?”

Amethyst Radiotherapy is one of the very few healthcare providers in the UK that specialises in the use of Gamma Knife technology to treat certain types of neurological disorders and brain tumours, working alongside NHS Trusts and with private patients.

Where brain metastases are concerned, one of the biggest challenges is how treatment can be delivered effectively across the blood-brain barrier, as well as the number and size of metastases, the potential for radiation-related cognitive impairment, the individual’s general health and how aggressive the primary cancer is.

Current treatment options for brain tumours include surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, whole-brain radiation therapy and Gamma Knife surgery, which is what Amethyst Radiotherapy specialises in.

What is Gamma Knife surgery?

Gamma Knife is a form of stereotactic radiosurgery. It is not the type of surgery that involves making incisions with a knife, but is a form of radiation therapy delivered from an external machine. It makes use of highly focused beams of gamma radiation that are directed from multiple angles to safely deliver a high dose of radiation to the affected area.

It is mainly used to treat malignant and benign brain tumours, trigeminal neuralgia, and acoustic neuromas.

How is Gamma Knife surgery delivered?

The patient is fitted with a head frame to ensure that the treatment area is still during the radiation delivery. The exact location and size of the tumour (or other disorder) is accurately pinpointed with a CT or MRI scan, and the medical team uses this information to calculate the radiation beam positioning and dose.

What are the advantages of the procedure?

In most cases, the treatment is delivered in a single session, which causes minimal discomfort and has a low risk of side effects. The patient will usually be able to resume normal activities within a day or two. The treatment is regarded as effective, and avoids the need for much riskier traditional neurosurgery.

The Queen Square Radiosurgery Centre in London, as a centre of excellence, became a part of the Amethyst Group in 2020, and in 2024 we were proud to become an official Elekta reference site.

Elekta provides leading edge radiation therapy systems, including Gamma Knife equipment, to treat complex brain cancers in an effective and non-invasive manner.

The official recognition by Elekta consolidates our reputation as one of the most highly regarded centres in the world for the treatment of brain tumours and certain other neurological conditions.

Our medical team specialise in the use of Gamma Knife surgery, a type of stereotactic radiosurgery. We welcome the global radiation oncology community to visit and observe our use of Gamma Knife in clinical practice.

Here’s an overview of the treatment process.

Outpatient appointment

The process begins with an outpatient appointment, following a referral by a clinician. If you are confirmed as a suitable candidate for Gamma Knife treatment, you will be invited to meet with a consultant and members of the radiography team. Family and friends are welcome to come along to the appointment, and you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions.

Treatment day

On the day of your treatment, you’ll be asked to come to the centre early in the morning, so you may wish to arrange overnight accommodation if you don’t live within convenient travelling distance. You will meet with your medical team, who will explain the schedule for the day.

Frame fitting

The next step is to have a head frame fitted, which will prevent your head from moving during the scans and radiation delivery process. The lightweight frame is secured with four pins, and a local anaesthetic will be used to avoid discomfort at the sites where the pins will be secured. You may be given the option to wear a lightweight mask as an alternative.

Image mapping

The next stage involves a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan (or sometimes a CT scan) of your head. The images from the scan allow the medical team to precisely determine the exact size, location, and shape of the tumour or other source of disorder in your brain. The process usually takes around 30 minutes.

You will then have some waiting time while your care team uses the images to draw up a bespoke treatment plan.

The treatment process

Once the consultant has approved your treatment plan, you’ll be ready to start the radiosurgery. During the process, you will lie down wearing the headframe, with your head placed in a ring shaped machine. The medical team will not be present in the delivery room, but you will be able to communicate with them through audio or visual technology.

The length of the treatment will vary depending on the size and type of the tumour or other disorder.

Post-treament

After the treatment, you’ll be invited to rest for an hour or so. The medical team will review your treatment, and in the majority of cases, you will be fit and well enough to return home.

Trigeminal autonomic cephalgias (TACs) are a group of headache disorders that cause acute pain on one side of the head, in the trigeminal nerve area, often radiating from behind the eye. Although these headaches are not considered to be life threatening, they can be seriously disruptive and impact on quality of life, often causing distress and agitation.

Here is a look at some of the coping strategies that may help people who suffer from these rare but debilitating disorders.

What are trigeminal autonomic cephalgias?

The main subtypes of TACs include cluster headaches, Paroxysmal Hemicrania, Hemicrania Continua, and Short-lasting Unilateral Neuralgiform Headache Attacks with Conjunctival Injection and Tearing (SUNCT).

They are considered to be rare, although the condition can be difficult to diagnose because there are different forms of TACs, and the symptoms may be confused with other types of headache disorder such as migraine.

One of the common symptoms of TACs, besides pain that is often excruciating, is agitation. This can make what is already a very unpleasant experience even more distressing and difficult to manage. Here’s a look at some strategies that may help people with this condition to find relief.

Understanding the link between TACs headaches and agitation

The link between headaches and agitation is not fully understood, but it may be simply a stress response triggered by the body as a coping mechanism. This can lead to restlessness, irritability and feelings of unease, causing the patient to pace about and be unable to sit or lie down.

The extreme pain that characterises TACs, particularly cluster headaches, may disrupt the body’s nervous system and cause heightened sensitivity that leads to agitation and restlessness.

People who suffer from cluster headaches, which occur in cycles and can have remittance periods of months or years, may also suffer from anxiety, which can lead to agitation and an inability to rest.

Coping mechanisms for headache with agitation

If you suspect that you have a TACs headache disorder, it’s essential to accurately describe your symptoms to a doctor to give yourself the best chance of correct diagnosis and treatment. Patients may also need to develop their individual coping mechanisms to help them manage symptoms such as agitation.

Pain relief

Some subtypes of TACs, particularly cluster headaches, are characterized by excruciating pain that may be brief, but can continue for up to three hours. Conventional painkillers such as ibuprofen will be ineffective, so it;s important to use prescribed analgesics. For cluster headaches, this is often sumatriptan injections.

Patients who do not respond to analgesics may be prescribed high doses of oxygen, which is delivered via a face mask that is worn for 15 to 20 minutes.

Alternative remedies

Non-medication treatments are unlikely to fully relieve the symptoms of severe headaches, but they can help to ease pain and also help the patient manage agitation, making the condition less overwhelming. The application of a hot or cold compress to the source of the pain may provide some degree of relief.

Relaxation techniques

Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing may help to release tension and ease mental distress and agitation. This could include deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness meditation. A calming environment will also be beneficial, free from loud or repetitive sounds, hectic activity and bright lights.

If this is not possible, try using noise cancelling headphones and eye masks to reduce the level of environmental stimulation. Mental techniques such as mindfulness may be helpful to distract the mind from the pain and focus on another stimulus.

Prevention techniques

Often, people who experience TACs will notice certain triggers, so part of the coping strategy should include managing triggers to reduce the frequency of attacks. Keep a journal to record details such as what you were eating, drinking, or doing when your attacks commence.

Common triggers include alcohol, cigarette smoking, climbing to higher altitudes, bright lights, physical exertion, heat, recreational drugs, and foods that contain nitrates such as processed meats.

Seek professional help

TACs disorders and trigeminal neuralgia have shared involvement with the trigeminal nerve and, as such, both can be distressing and difficult to cope with. Some patients may require professional support to help them manage the symptoms.

If you would like more information about the treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia related conditions, please contact Mr. Matthias Radatz of Amethyst Radiotherapy.

There are headaches and then there are cluster headaches and migraine attacks. Both of these types of primary headache disorder can be totally debilitating, rendering the person unable to do anything except lie down or pace around in excruciating pain. Gamma Knife radiosurgery can be particularly effective at treating cranial nerve issues where appropriate.

Here’s a look at understanding the difference between cluster headaches and migraines.

The importance of understanding the difference

Getting a correct diagnosis for headache disorders is not always straightforward, because there are different types that share similar symptoms and patterns, but cluster headaches are not a type of migraine, and vice versa. This means that people may not be receiving the most appropriate treatment, and could be suffering a worse quality of life as a result.

Therefore, being more aware of the characteristics of each can help patients to be more confident and accurate during doctor’s consultations, and increase their chances of getting the most effective help that they so badly need.

What are cluster headaches?

Cluster headaches are a rare form of headache, affecting about one in 1,000 people. Sadly, incidences of suicide in patients with cluster headaches is higher than average, because they can make life unbearable if not managed properly. Gamma Knife radiosurgery can be an effective form of treatment for this condition.

The age of onset is typically between 30 and 50, although they can affect people of any age, and they are more common in men than women. They are known as cluster headaches because they occur in cyclical patterns or ‘clusters’. They tend to come on suddenly and are intense but usually quite brief.

What are migraines?

Migraines are characterised by a throbbing headache on one side of the head, and are often accompanied by other symptoms including nausea and sensitivity to light, noise or smells. Some people also experience visual or sensory disturbances, known as aura, just before the onset of the headache.

Migraines can affect people of all ages, and they are more common in women than men.

Both types of headache can be triggered by common factors such as stress, alcohol, pungent smells, bright lights, or lack of sleep, but they are both primary disorders. This means that the symptoms are the result of the headache, rather than another underlying cause.

Questions to ask if you are unsure what type of headache you have

How frequently do you get headaches?

As we have discussed, cluster headaches occur in cycles, and can happen at the same time each day for weeks or months at a time. The headaches can recur several times in one day or at night time, or they just occur every couple of days. The attacks are then followed by a remission period that lasts for months, or even years.

Migraines can occur in cycles, but not always. It’s rare to have more than one migraine in one day.

How long does the headache last?

Migraines can last for several hours, and even for up to three days if left untreated. Cluster headaches are much briefer, occurring suddenly and lasting for 15 minutes or up to two hours. This is a major difference between the two conditions, so it’s important to record the length of the headache so you can get an accurate diagnosis.

What are your main symptoms during the headache?

Cluster headaches

Cluster headaches are unilateral, meaning that they only occur on one side of the head. They are characterised by an intense pain that is described as a burning or stabbing sensation, usually concentrated behind the eye. Often the pain is accompanied by other symptoms including red or watery eyes, runny nose, or drooping eyelids.

During attacks, many patients cannot keep still, and feel agitated with the need to pace around.

Migraines

Migraines are characterised by a throbbing pain that is less intense than a cluster headache. It can occur on one side of the head or across the whole head, behind the eyes or around the temples. Usually patients want to lie down because movement can make them feel worse. Other symptoms include nausea and vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.

Some types of migraine are preceded by an aura, which are sensory changes. You may feel dizzy or fatigued during the migraine attack.

Seeking help

Both types of headache are severe and can disrupt your life. However, they can be treated and managed, so it is important to reach out to a medical professional and accurately describe your symptoms.

Interestingly, cluster headaches share some similarities with trigeminal neuralgia, as both conditions involve the trigeminal nerve, which plays a key role in facial pain disorders.

If you would like some information on trigeminal neuralgia treatment, please contact Mr Matthias Radatz of Amethyst Radiotherapy.

Brain freeze is the common name for sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia, which is a severe head pain triggered by consuming cold foods or drinks. For this reason, it’s often referred to as the ‘ice cream headache.’ The pain hits when the cold substance comes into contact with the roof of the mouth (palate) at the back of the throat.

Here’s a look at the symptoms, why brain freeze happens, how it can be managed or treated, and what to do if you suspect you have this condition.

What causes brain freeze?

The exact causes of brain freeze are not fully understood, but it’s thought that it’s linked to the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for sensory communication between the brain and the face. When this nerve is activated by very cold temperatures, the blood vessels rapidly constrict and then dilate.

In some people, the sudden rush of blood is thought to be misinterpreted by the trigeminal nerve as pain. Not everyone has this reaction, so it’s likely that some people have more sensitive nerves than others. There’s some evidence to suggest a link between brain freeze and migraines.

The name sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia refers to the sphenopalatine ganglion, a group of nerve cells involved in facial sensation that are situated near to the roof of the mouth.

What are the symptoms of brain freeze?

Brain freeze is triggered by eating or drinking something cold, and is characterized by a brief intense pain in the forehead or temples. The pain occurs immediately after contact with the chilled substance, such as ice cream, an iced lolly, or a slushy iced drink. Occasionally, the pain may also be triggered by sudden exposure to very low environmental temperatures.

It is usually experienced as a sharp stabbing sensation that recedes quickly, typically within a minute or two and always within ten to 30 minutes after the cold stimulus has been removed. If it goes on for longer than that, this pain may have another cause and requires further investigation.

How is brain freeze treated?

Brain freeze is considered to be medically harmless, so treatment is not always necessary if the pain is very brief. Avoiding very cold foods is the most obvious way to manage the condition.

If you would still like to enjoy ice cream and other chilled foods, you could try warming your palate with a hot drink first, or warming the cold food in your mouth before swallowing it. Taking painkillers is not considered to be effective because of the sudden and temporary nature of the pain.

However, trigeminal neuralgia involves the trigeminal nerve, which is also implicated in brain freeze. Although brain freeze itself is harmless, persistent or unusual facial pain could indicate trigeminal neuralgia or another condition requiring professional attention.

Warning signs that you need to take further action

If you experience frequent sudden intense headaches that aren’t always triggered by cold, or are accompanied by other symptoms, it’s strongly recommended to seek medical advice. In rare cases, there may be another underlying cause for the pain, including a brain tumour, cluster headache or stroke.

For example, if you also notice eyesight changes such as blurred vision, it may be a migraine headache. You may also notice flashing lights, zig-zagging lights or a rainbow of lights, known as an aura, which often arrives before the headache and lasts for about 20 minutes. Other symptoms include light sensitivity, nausea and vomiting.

Occasionally, headaches and vision changes may be caused by a brain tumour. Other common symptoms include seizures, sickness, memory problems, behavioural changes or changes in personality, and progressive weakness or paralysis down one side of the body.

These symptoms should be checked by a GP, particularly if they are unusual for you or your headache feels different from any you have experienced before.

Repeated pain associated with the trigeminal nerve could signal conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia, which require specialised treatment.

If you would like further information about face pain, trigeminal neuralgia treatment and nerves damage, please contact Mr. Jonathan Hyam of Amethyst Radiotherapy.

UK television presenter Davina McCall is currently recovering after undergoing surgery to remove a rare, benign brain tumour. Known for her roles in programmes such as Long Lost Family and Your Mum, My Dad, McCall revealed that the 14mm tumour, a colloid cyst, was discovered during a routine health scan offered after a menopause talk earlier this year.

Discovery of a Rare Condition: Colloid Cysts

McCall candidly shared her journey with her fans, explaining, “I thought I was in great health and would pass the scan with flying colours. Instead, they found a benign brain tumour called a colloid cyst, which is incredibly rare—only three in a million people are affected.”

Colloid cysts are fluid-filled growths located in the brain’s ventricular system, where they can obstruct the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). While benign, untreated growth may lead to complications such as headaches, dizziness, vision problems, and, in severe cases, loss of consciousness. According to experts, colloid cysts make up less than 2% of primary brain tumours, often discovered incidentally or during imaging for unrelated issues.


A Complex Surgery

To address the issue, McCall underwent a craniotomy, a surgical procedure involving the temporary removal of a portion of the skull. The surgery was described as “textbook” by her medical team. Sharing her optimism with followers, McCall said, “It’s a big tumour, and it needed to come out before it could cause any further problems. I have complete faith in my surgeon and his team. Now it’s my job to focus on recovery.”

Post-surgery, McCall is reported to be making significant progress. Her partner, Michael Douglas, provided updates via social media, stating: “She’s out of ICU and making enormous leaps in recovery. We’re so grateful for all the love and support from everyone—it means the world.”


The Recovery Journey

McCall is expected to spend about nine days in the hospital before returning home to continue her recovery. Douglas shared that McCall is “off-grid” for now to focus entirely on getting better. “She’s in great shape and excellent hands. The love and positivity coming her way is truly powerful, and we’re so thankful,” he said.

Despite being physically and emotionally exhausted, McCall has expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and encouragement she’s received. She reassured fans that she will take the time needed to recover fully and hopes to read through the many kind messages sent her way.


Raising Awareness for Brain Tumours

By sharing her experience so openly, McCall has drawn attention to the importance of routine health checks and raised awareness about rare brain tumours like colloid cysts. Organisations like Brainstrust and The Brain Tumour Charity have praised her for shedding light on this little-known condition, which they believe will help others feel less isolated.

Will Jones, CEO of Brainstrust, commented: “Davina’s transparency and courage are invaluable to those living with similar diagnoses. Her story provides hope and a sense of community to many who may otherwise feel overlooked.”


A Legacy Beyond TV

Known as a vocal advocate for women’s health, McCall has contributed significantly to public discussions about issues such as menopause and contraception. Her 2022 book, Menopausing: The Positive Roadmap to Your Second Spring, aimed to dispel myths and stigma surrounding menopause.

In 2023, McCall received an MBE for her contributions to broadcasting and her advocacy efforts, cementing her place as a role model for health awareness and empowerment.

As McCall focuses on her recovery, she continues to inspire others with her strength, openness, and dedication to improving public understanding of rare health conditions.


For more information about brain tumour treatments and support, explore the services available at https://amethyst-radiotherapy.co.uk/.

On Friday 15th November, the Boston – London – Toronto Paediatric Neurovascular Collaboration Meeting will be taking place at Queen Square in London. This prestigious event will bring together three of the world’s leading children’s hospitals for a full day of debate, insights, and collaboration.

The morning session will be hosted at Great Ormond Street Hospital, while the afternoon session will take place at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, showcasing a seamless exchange of knowledge and innovation in paediatric neurovascular care.

Proud Supporters of Clinical Neuroscience

Amethyst Radiotherapy UK is proud to support the Boston–London–Toronto Collaborative Clinical Neuroscience Meeting, led by esteemed paediatric neurosurgeon Consultant Gregory James. Our continued sponsorship underscores our commitment to advancing research and clinical practices in this critical field.

Last year, we were honoured to sponsor the inaugural conference. More details about the collaboration can be found on the official BLT website.

Bringing Together Global Experts

The conference will feature leading specialists from:

  • Boston Children’s Hospital/Harvard University (B)
  • Great Ormond Street Hospital UK and Children’s Charity (L)
  • SickKids Foundation, Toronto (T)

This gathering provides a platform for sharing cutting-edge research and clinical practices aimed at redefining paediatric neurovascular care.


Full Schedule

Morning Session

  • Venue: Leopard Seminar Room, Level 2, Premier Inn Clinical Building, Great Ormond Street Hospital
  • 10:00 AM: Welcome remarks – Greg James (L), Ed Smith (B), Peter Dirks (T)
  • 10:10 AM Neurovascular taxonomy – a proposed system Ed Smith (B)
  • 10:30 AM Oncogenes and vascular malformations Anoushka Alwis (L)
  • 10:50 AM Experience of our hyperacute stroke pathway – beware of the mimics! Samyami Chowdhury (T)
  • 11:10 AM Intervention for paediatric stroke – beyond structural lesions and into functional rehabilitation Alfred Pokmeng See (B)
  • 11:30 AM Metameric craniofacial AV malformations – a case series of individualised treatment and systematic review of treatment strategies in the literature Dulanka Silva
  • 11:50 AM Defining the “hungry brain” in moyamoya Laura Lehman (B)
  • 12:10 AM Lunch – Café @ 42-43 Queen Square

Afternoon Session

  • Venue: Wolfson Lecture Theatre, Queen Mary Wing, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery
  • 1:00 PM Regulation of cerebral microvascular blood flow by the TMEM16A anion channel: implications for therapy Paolo Tammaro, Professor of Pharmacology, Oxford University
  • 2:00 PM Are brain AVMs congenital or developmental? Evidence from incidence in childhood Darren Orbach (B)
  • 2:20 PM The relationship between neuroimaging metrics and cognitive function in paediatric moyamoya disease Charlotte Malcolm (L)
  • 2:40 PM Cavernous malformations – current updates & guidelines from the Angioma Alliance and novel mechanistic targets from the lab Ed Smith (B)
  • 3:00 PM Break
  • 3:20 PM Intraoperative EEG in moyamoya surgery – can we predict early post-operative TIA/stroke? Greg James (L)
  • 3:40 PM Recurrent brain AVMs: the SickKids series Peter Dirks (T)
  • 4:00 PM Cerebral arteriopathy phenotypes in PHACES Vijeya Ganesan (L)
  • 4:20 PM The direction of intervention on cerebral proliferative angiopathy Alfred Pokmeng See (B)
  • 4:40 PM Challenging case discussion BLT
  • 5:30 PM Final remarks and thank you Greg James and London team
  • 5:30 PM Drinks reception – Café @ 42-43 Queen Square
  • 7:30 PM Drinks and fun – Sixes Cricket Fitzrovia, 170 Great Portland Street

 

At Amethyst Radiotherapy UK, we are proud to support this remarkable collaboration, fostering innovation and progress in paediatric neurovascular health. We look forward to the impactful discussions and future advancements this conference will inspire.