Headaches are a common occurrence, affecting millions of people worldwide. While most headaches are benign and can be attributed to stress, fatigue, or minor illnesses, some persistent and recurring headaches may be a warning sign of a more serious underlying condition, such as a brain tumour.
Understanding brain tumours and the symptoms
Abnormal cell growths inside the brain or surrounding tissues can give rise to brain tumours, says Dr Aditya Gupta, director of neurosurgery and cyberknife at Artemis hospital Gurugram. Primary tumours, which start in the brain, and secondary tumours, which spread to other parts of the body, are the two types of these tumours. The location, size, and growth rate of brain tumours can all affect the symptoms, says Dr Gupta. Other symptoms could include seizures, blurred vision, cognitive decline, abnormal behaviour, and and numbness or weakness throughout the body.
When to seek medical attention
While severe or recurrent headaches that deviate from your typical headache pattern should not be disregarded, not all headaches are suggestive of a brain tumour. It's critical to get medical help right away if your headaches are severe, persistent, or accompanied by other worrisome symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or changes in vision or sensation, says Dr Gupta. Furthermore, you should see a doctor for additional assessment if your headaches get worse over time or do not get better with over-the-counter drugs.
Recognising warning signs of persistent headaches
New onset of severe headaches: Severe headaches that appear out of the blue, particularly in those who have never had chronic headaches before, may be an indication.
Headaches that worsen over time: You must consult a Dr if your headaches become more severe and regular over time.
Morning headaches: Brain tumors may be the cause of headaches that start out worse in the morning and become better over the day.
Associated neurological symptoms: Concern should be expressed if headaches are accompanied by additional symptoms such nausea, vomiting, altered vision, seizures, or limb weakness.
Early diagnosis is crucial
Treatment results are greatly enhanced by early brain tumour identification. More research ought to be done if headaches are persistent and do not go away with standard therapies like over-the-counter painkillers. A visit to a medical expert can result in the ordering of necessary diagnostic procedures, including computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which can be used to determine whether a tumor is present, says Dr Gupta.
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