Björn says Intuens scan found tumour that could have cost him his life

A scan arranged after Björn Árni Ágústsson sought further medical help revealed a seven-centimetre brain tumour, he told mbl.is, saying the discovery and subsequent surgery saved his life.

Björn said he had gone to a primary health care clinic with low energy, severe tremors and worsening coordination. He felt he received inadequate answers and had to push for tests, including blood work and checks of his urinary tract and prostate.

After his initial blood tests, a doctor told him the results looked normal. A doctor friend noticed that the blood test had not included a measurement of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, so Björn requested another test. The urinary and prostate checks were also normal, but his symptoms continued.

Björn said he repeatedly tried to contact his doctor for further examination. He asked the doctor to call him when possible, but no call came. About a month after his symptoms began, and encouraged by his wife, he contacted the health technology company Intuens. He was given an MRI scan, which showed a large tumour pressing on his brain.

The tumour was benign, and Björn soon underwent surgery. It was removed in one piece, and he said the operation went well. The day after surgery, he said, his energy had returned and the tremors were gone. He was discharged on the third day.

Björn said he had not experienced headaches, so it had not occurred to him that the problem might be in his brain. He hopes his experience will encourage the health system to respond sooner to symptoms, ensure follow-up and make better use of available technology and diagnostic options.