We all get headaches from time to time. And it is almost impossible to go to the hospital. When there is a lot of stress at home or at work you can get a headache Sometimes loud children can make their heads spin too! Women with migraines also experience it. Some even complain of headaches during pregnancy. You can blame many things. But did you know that headaches can also be a sign of a brain tumor? You should not be complacent, especially when headaches are frequent and severe for you or a loved one.
To explore the link between headaches and brain tumors, HealthShots reached out to Dr. Abhidha Shah, consultant neurosurgery at Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai.
What is a brain tumor?
A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells in the brain or surrounding tissue. There are two main types. One type is a primary brain tumor that originates in the brain. the other is a metastatic brain tumor. which begins in other parts of the body and spreads to the brain experts explain
Is a headache an early sign of a brain tumor?
Headaches can be a sign of a brain tumor, Dr. Shah said. But that doesn’t mean it’s always a medical emergency. If your family member has severe, frequent headaches and/or other symptoms, such as seizures, vision changes or difficulty speaking It’s important to check with a neurologist. Headaches are a common symptom of brain tumors. Especially tumors in the frontal or temporal brain. Therefore, headaches can be persistent and severe. They can be difficult for your loved one in the morning and better throughout the day. They may also vomit, and often vomiting relieves headaches.
Other common symptoms of brain tumors
Here are other symptoms of a brain tumor you need to know about.
1. Seizures
Seizures are a common symptom of brain tumors. Especially tumors in the temporal or parietal areas of the brain, Dr. Shah said. Seizures can be local or general, and they can involve different parts of the body.
2. vision changes
They may experience blurred vision, double vision, or loss of peripheral vision if they have a brain tumor. That’s because being located close to the optic nerve or visual path can cause vision changes.
3. Numbness
Brain tumors can cause weakness or numbness in the limbs. especially on one side of the body
4. Changes in mood or personality
Brain tumors can also cause changes in mood, behavior, or personality. You may notice depression and irritability.
5. Difficulty with balance or coordination
Experts say brain tumors can affect the cerebellum, which controls balance and coordination, so your loved one may have trouble walking or coordinating movements.
brain tumor treatment
Wondering if your loved one will survive a brain tumor? at least get treated which depends on the type, size, location and grade of the tumor Then overall health and preferences come into play too.
Treatment options include:
1. Surgery
Surgery is often the first thing doctors recommend to treat this brain condition. This is especially true for those in a facility with safe access to surgery. Essentially, the goal is to remove as many tumors as possible without damaging the surrounding brain tissue.
2. Radiotherapy
It uses high-energy radiation beams to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. It may be used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. or as primary treatment for tumors that cannot be removed by surgery
3. Chemotherapy
Use drugs to kill cancer cells. and may be used alone or in combination with other treatments
pain management anti seizure medication And physical therapy may be used to manage symptoms and improve quality of life for people with this condition.
