How did a tumour diagnosis save a marriage?

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Brain Tumour Diagnosis Led to Marriage Reconciliation and Remarriage

A brain tumour diagnosis played a pivotal role in saving Maideen Sadayan's marriage, enabling his reconciliation with his wife and their subsequent remarriage. The discovery of a tumour in the amygdala, the brain region associated with anger and rage, provided a medical explanation for Sadayan's previously violent behaviour, which had led to his divorce in 2020. Following surgical removal of the tumour, his aggressive tendencies immediately subsided, paving the way for a reunion with his family.
Tumour Identified as Cause of Violent Behaviour

Sadayan, aged 48, experienced a significant personality shift approximately two to three years prior to his divorce in June 2020. Initially attributing his mood swings and increased irritability to ageing and Covid-19 lockdowns, his behaviour escalated to the point of domestic violence, necessitating police intervention and ultimately leading to his separation from his wife of 15 years and their four children. Medical investigations at National University Hospital (NUH) revealed a tumour, measuring between 2cm and 2.5cm, situated in the amygdala. Doctors, including Clinical Associate Professor Yeo Tseng Tsai, explained that this part of the brain governs emotions like rage and anger, and its impairment by the tumour was the likely cause of Sadayan's aggressive conduct.
Discovery Through Seizure Episodes

The true nature of Sadayan's condition came to light after his divorce, when he began experiencing "white-outs," a form of epileptic seizure. These episodes, lasting around 20 to 30 seconds, were characterized by blank stares and a temporary loss of awareness, during which he remembered nothing. While initially continuing his daily activities, including driving and hiking, he was eventually persuaded by colleagues to seek medical attention at NUH. Scans performed at the emergency department confirmed the presence of a significant abnormality in his brain.
Aggressive Cancer Diagnosed and Treated

Upon surgical removal and examination, the tumour was diagnosed as glioblastoma, an aggressive and malignant form of brain cancer. Despite the generally poor prognosis associated with glioblastoma, which has a median survival rate of 18 to 24 months, Sadayan underwent two operations to remove as much of the tumour as possible. These procedures, each lasting four to five hours, were crucial for potentially prolonging his survival.
Immediate Cessation of Violent Behaviour and Reconciliation

Following the successful surgery, Sadayan's violent behaviour ceased immediately. He reported a return to normalcy and began to reflect on his past actions. This period of recovery coincided with his reconciliation with his ex-wife, who provided support upon learning about his condition. Their renewed bond led to their remarriage in late April, marking a significant turning point in their lives, with Sadayan expressing gratitude for the medical team's intervention and a renewed appreciation for living each day with his family.

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How did a tumour diagnosis save a marriage?

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