Introduction: A case that highlights diagnostic delays
A Derby woman diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour says her GP dismissed her symptoms, and that earlier intervention could have changed her outcome. Jessie Mae Lambert, aged 28, began experiencing unexplained seizures in October 2023. What started as a puzzling health concern rapidly escalated into a serious medical condition that required life-changing treatment.
From seizures to diagnosis: a slow journey to recognition
Lambert described having seizures up to seven times a day, with one episode occurring in front of her mother for the first time. Despite warning signs, she says her GP initially attributed the symptoms to mental health issues and told her to “get your story straight” at a subsequent visit. After two more appointments, a crucial turning point came when she persisted and was referred for hospital tests in March 2024.
In early March 2024, Lambert underwent an MRI and EEG at Royal Derby Hospital, where doctors identified a brain tumour measuring about 4 cm by 3 cm. She later noted that the delay felt unacceptable, and that her tumour might have been diagnosed sooner if the medical team had taken her concerns more seriously from the outset.
The impact of delayed care and the push for Jess’s Rule
The patient’s account underscores a broader concern about how many young people navigate symptoms that could indicate serious illness. Lambert emphasised that persistence was essential: daily calls and careful chasing of appointments eventually led to the diagnosis, but she acknowledges that others may not have the same resource or ability to advocate for themselves.
Jess’s Rule, a safety initiative recently introduced in NHS settings, urges clinicians to “think again” if a diagnosis cannot be made after three visits or if patients’ symptoms worsen. Lambert welcomed the policy, arguing that it represents a necessary shift toward more vigilant and compassionate patient care. She stated that, while she is uncertain whether earlier intervention would have altered her prognosis, the rule is a step in the right direction for ensuring young people are taken seriously.
Treatment, prognosis, and ongoing monitoring
Lambert underwent a six-hour operation to remove about 40% of the tumour, followed by six weeks of radiotherapy. In September 2024, doctors classified the tumour as a grade 2 astrocytoma, a form typically characterized by slower growth. She continues regular brain scans every three months to monitor the disease and assess any progression or shrinkage. Her latest imaging indicated a reduction in the tumour’s size, offering a measure of cautious optimism.
What this means for patients and the healthcare system
Lambert’s experience raises important questions about how health services respond to young patients presenting with complex, non-specific symptoms. While doctors must balance thorough evaluations with timely care, the emphasis on a proactive approach can reduce the risk of missed or delayed diagnoses. The loyalty Lambert shows to her own case—calling daily, staying engaged, and seeking care—also highlights the critical role patients play in their own health journeys.
Final thoughts: A call for vigilance and empathy
While there is no certainty that Jess’s Rule would have changed Lambert’s outcome, there is broad consensus that earlier, careful consideration of persistent symptoms is essential. Lambert has shared her story to remind healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public that young people deserve swift, respectful, and thorough medical evaluation when warning signs appear. Her message is clear: no young person should endure a delay in diagnosis that could have been avoided.
