Neurosurgeon shares 5 early signs of brain tumour: Headaches, tingling, memory lapses, and more

Persistent headaches, vision changes, mood shifts—these could be early signs of a brain tumour, warns neurosurgeon Dr Jay Jagannathan. (Image: Pexels)

A brain tumour affects many people each year, with symptoms varying depending on the type, location, and stage. As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure, so it is important to be aware of some early signs for better health management.

Taking to his Instagram account, Dr Jay Jagannathan, a reputed neurosurgeon, wrote, “Over my years in neurosurgery, I’ve seen patients brush off subtle symptoms — only to discover a brain tumour later. Early detection can make all the difference.”

What is a brain tumour?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, a brain tumour is an abnormal growth of cells in or around the brain. Tumours can be malignant (cancerous) or benign (noncancerous), with varying rates of growth. In both cases, they can impair brain function and have adverse health effects if they grow large and put pressure on surrounding nerves, blood vessels, and tissue.

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A post shared by Jay Jagannathan, MD | Michigan Neurosurgery Institute (@jagannathanneurosurgery)

5 early signs of brain tumour

Dr Jay Jagannathan shared 5 signs that people often brush aside, thinking they would subside. These include:

Persistent headaches: While an occasional headache may not be seen as a cause for concern, it shouldn’t be taken lightly if it is persistent and feels different from usual.

Vision changes: The neurosurgeon warned that vision changes, including blurry, double, or loss of peripheral vision, need medical intervention and may be an early sign.

Cognitive changes: Memory lapses, trouble concentrating, or difficulty finding words should not be brushed aside, seek medical help for a proper diagnosis.

Personality or mood shifts: Sudden irritability or depression may not be viewed as serious initially, but keeping a check on persistent patterns helps detect any major health issues.

Seizures or unusual tingling/numbness: The doctor warned that any episode of seizure, unusual tingling, or numbness should be taken seriously.

Finally, he said, “I’ve seen patients dismiss these signs thinking it’s stress, early evaluation often changes everything.”

FAQs on Brain Tumour:

1. What causes brain tumours?
Brain tumours can be caused by genetic mutations, environmental factors, or radiation exposure. However, the exact cause is often unknown.

2. How are brain tumours diagnosed?
Brain tumours are typically diagnosed through imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans, and sometimes a biopsy is performed to determine the type.

3. What are the treatment options for brain tumours?
Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, depending on the type and stage of the tumour.

4. Can brain tumours be prevented?
While not all brain tumours can be prevented, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding known risk factors can help reduce the likelihood.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.