When not to ignore a headache: eight warning signs of a brain tumour

Many people get headaches from work stress, lack of sleep or long hours at a screen, and most are not dangerous. But if the pattern suddenly changes, the pain keeps getting worse or other unusual symptoms come with it, it should not be ignored, because occasionally it can be an early sign of a brain tumour. Dinajpur TV has gathered neurologists' advice given to international media.

Senior neurologist Dr Neha Pandita says stress, too little sleep, dehydration or eye strain commonly cause headaches, but pain that persists or feels unusual needs its cause found quickly. Dr Kunal Bahrani, chairman of neurology at Yatharth Hospital, says a new headache clearly unlike earlier ones, pain that ordinary remedies do not relieve, or pain that worsens with coughing, bending forward or heavy exercise should be taken seriously.

Symptoms depend on where in the brain a tumour lies. Experts say at least eight signs deserve attention: first, headaches returning more often, growing more intense or changing completely in character; second, severe pain on waking or pain that wakes you at night, especially with nausea or vomiting; third, sudden blurred or double vision; fourth, loss of balance, trouble walking straight or persistent dizziness.

Fifth, weakness, numbness or changed sensation in part of an arm or leg, especially if one side of the body weakens; sixth, difficulty speaking, finding the right word or slurred speech; seventh, loss of concentration or memory, irritability without cause, mood swings or unusual changes in personality; eighth, a sudden seizure in someone who has never had one.

Experts stress that having these symptoms does not mean a person has a brain tumour; many common health problems can cause them. But a headache that lasts a long time, keeps getting worse or comes with several unusual symptoms should be seen by a specialist without delay.

The sudden onset of the worst headache of one's life, a first seizure, inability to speak clearly, or numbness or weakness on one side of the body call for emergency treatment at once.

Source: Dinajpur TV