AN Erskine man has spoken of his shock after learning he had a brain tumour- when he woke to find he had two black eyes and a rash on his face.

Now 37 year-old Daniel Harris says his diagnosis reinforces the need for increased awareness of brain tumour symptoms.

Daniel is about to undergo brain tumour surgery but this week he recalled the first warning signs that prompted an A&E admission back in 2007- when he was just 28.

He said: "I awoke to discover that I had two black eyes and a rash covering my face and neck.

"I contacted NHS 24 who asked that I conduct the glass test and when the rash failed to vanish under the pressure of the glass I was advised to attend my local A&E department of the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) in Paisley right away out of concern that I may have had meningitis."

Having ruled out meningitis with further tests Daniel was then referred to the Institute of Neurological Science at the Southern General Hospital.

But the results were no less devastating.

He said: "The neurosurgeon informed me that the shadow in the MRI located deep in my temporal lobe and was very small and that this could be a cortical dysplasia or a low-grade glioma."

Following further MRI scans this year Daniels’ tumour had grown and surgery was advised.

"They told me that my tumour was a Grade 2 Oligodendroglioma, a low grade tumour but which nevertheless warranted treatment to avoid the onset of further symptoms and to arrest any transformation to the more malignant Grade 3 Oligodendroglioma."

Daniel’s treatment started last week and he continues to be passionate about raising awareness for early diagnosis of brain tumours, essential for achieving the best possible outcomes for patients.

Daniel's case illustrates just how difficult it can be for GPs and healthcare professionals to correctly identify brain tumour symptoms and offer a quick and accurate diagnosis.

Sarah Lindsell, The Brain Tumour Charity’s CEO said: "Symptoms of a brain tumour are often difficult to diagnose early because of their similarity to other common ailments.

"Due to the importance of early diagnosis for the treatment of brain tumours, researchers are trying to develop new and improved ways of diagnosing brain tumours early.

"We are committed to making the greatest possible impact on the lives of everyone affected by this disease, to defending the most amazing part of the human body, and together defeating brain tumours."

The symptoms to look out for in adult brain tumours include: headaches, changes in vision, seizures, nausea and vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness and confusion and irritability.

A spokesman for the Brain Tumour Charity added: "If you develop any of the symptoms described over a prolonged period of time and are worried, see your GP.

"Brain tumours are rare, so usually your symptoms will not be due to a brain tumour. However, it is important to be aware of the symptoms."