Mark Ruffalo has shared how a vivid and unsettling dream pushed him to seek medical advice, which led to the discovery of a brain tumor. He said the dream felt unlike any he had experienced before and left him with a clear sense that something was wrong.
At the time, Ruffalo had very few symptoms. Apart from a mild earache, he felt well and had no serious health concerns. Even so, he chose not to ignore the warning and asked a doctor to investigate further.
Medical scans revealed a tumor about the size of a golf ball growing behind his left ear. Doctors were initially unsure whether it was benign or malignant, making the diagnosis especially frightening. The news came just days before his wife was due to give birth.
Ruffalo decided to wait until after his child was born before telling his family. He later agreed to surgery, despite being warned about major risks, including possible hearing loss and facial paralysis.
The tumor was eventually confirmed to be benign and successfully removed. Ruffalo lost hearing in one ear and experienced temporary facial paralysis, but he has said the outcome was worth it. His experience highlights the importance of trusting instincts and seeking medical care early, even when symptoms seem minor.