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College Student's Headaches Dismissed as 'Stress' Before Brain Tumor Diagnosis
Gillian Keating's severe headaches and nausea were initially attributed to school-related stress before an MRI revealed a benign, tennis-ball-sized tumor pressing on her brain.
Published on Feb. 24, 2026
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A 21-year-old college student from Arlington, Virginia, Gillian Keating, was initially told her severe headaches and nausea were due to stress from finals. However, after the symptoms worsened, an MRI scan revealed Keating had a benign brain tumor the size of a tennis ball that was pressing on her left frontal cortex. Keating underwent successful surgery to remove the tumor but now requires radiation treatment.
Why it matters
Keating's case highlights the importance of patients advocating for themselves and seeking second opinions when medical professionals dismiss their symptoms. Her story serves as a reminder that persistent or unexplained health issues should be thoroughly investigated, even if they are initially attributed to common stressors.
The details
In December 2025, Gillian Keating began experiencing severe headaches and nausea while studying for finals at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She visited a doctor who attributed the symptoms to stress, but the pain continued to worsen, causing Keating to sometimes pass out. After returning home for Christmas break, Keating saw another doctor who immediately ordered an MRI scan. The scans revealed a two-inch brain tumor, about the size of a tennis ball, that was pressing against Keating's left frontal cortex. Doctors told Keating she needed emergency surgery to remove the benign tumor.
- In December 2025, Keating began experiencing severe headaches and nausia while studying for finals.
- In January 2026, an MRI scan revealed Keating had a tennis-ball-sized brain tumor.
- Keating underwent successful surgery to remove the tumor in January 2026.
The players
Gillian Keating
A 21-year-old college student from Arlington, Virginia, who was initially told her severe headaches and nausea were due to stress from finals before an MRI revealed a benign brain tumor.
What they’re saying
“Within days, my life completely changed.”
— Gillian Keating (GoFundMe)
“I was stunned. That was the last thing that I would have expected. I was scared and worried about the surgery. I didn't know coming out of it how I would act... or if there would be neurological effects.”
— Gillian Keating (Daily Mail)
“It's crazy that what I thought was college stress got to this point, and I had to undergo massive surgery. I was supposed to graduate in spring and I had a job lined up. Now I'm in a situation where I have to do another semester at school and take time off.”
— Gillian Keating (Daily Mail)
What’s next
Keating is now preparing for radiation treatment to ensure the tumor does not grow back.
The takeaway
Keating's case underscores the importance of patients advocating for themselves and seeking second opinions when medical professionals dismiss their symptoms. Her story serves as a reminder that persistent or unexplained health issues should be thoroughly investigated, even if they are initially attributed to common stressors.
