A brain tumour refers to an abnormal growth of cells within or around the brain. Some brain tumours are non-cancerous (benign) whilst others are cancerous (malignant). They can affect memory, movement, vision, speech, and other vital functions depending on their size, location and how quickly they are growing.

Identifying any potential red flags and getting medical help at the right time can help get a correct diagnosis and treatment. If you or a family member are experiencing long-term or unusual neurological symptoms it is important to see a qualified medical specialist.

Polaris Neurosciences Hospital, Agra can provide specialist advice.

Common brain tumour warning signs

Symptoms can vary between individuals and some symptoms come on gradually.

1. Long-term or unusual headaches

You can get headaches for many different reasons such as migraines, stress, dehydration and poor sleeping. However if you start to notice a new pattern of headaches, increasing pain or neurological symptoms with headaches then you should go to a medical professional.

Not everyone with headaches will have a brain tumour. It can depend on the pattern of your symptoms and your medical history as to whether you need further investigations.

2. Seizures

Sometimes the first sign of a brain tumour could be a seizure.

Some warning signs can include uncontrollable shaking, loss of consciousness, strange feelings or confusion. If you are experiencing a seizure for the first time then you should seek urgent medical attention.

Keep the individual safe from any nearby hazards. Do not try to hold the person down or put anything in their mouth. Get emergency help, especially if it lasts for 5 minutes or more, is repeated and they are struggling to breathe.

3. Visual problems

Some brain tumours can affect the area of the brain responsible for vision or the nerves connecting the eye to your brain.

You may experience:

Blurry or double vision

Loss of part of your vision

Poor vision

Strange visual disturbance

If you are experiencing sudden vision loss or changes in your vision then you should seek immediate medical attention.

4. Memory problems and personality changes

A tumour affecting certain areas of your brain can cause problems with concentration, memory, behaviour and personality. Some people may struggle to find the right words, feel confused or have changes in their ability to carry out everyday tasks.

This can also be caused by many other medical problems. If you are experiencing long-term or worsening symptoms then you should get them checked by a healthcare professional.

5. Weakness, numbness or balance issues

A brain tumour can affect the areas of your brain responsible for movement, sensation and balance.

This can present with:

Weakness in your arm or leg

Numbness

Walking difficulties

Poor coordination

Balance issues

It is important to note that sudden weakness, drooping on one side of your face, difficulty speaking or sudden loss of coordination can be a sign of a stroke. You should call emergency services straight away.

6. Nausea/Vomiting

Long-term nausea or vomiting can be a sign that there is something to investigate. Especially if your headaches are getting worse, you are experiencing visual problems or other neurological symptoms.

This can be common with many conditions and on its own does not mean you have a brain tumour. Your doctor will look at all your symptoms.

When should I see a neurosurgeon?

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms then you should consider getting specialist medical advice:

Long-term or worsening headaches with unusual features

New seizure

New or unusual weakness, numbness or coordination issues

Worsening memory, speech, behaviour or vision

Worsening neurological symptoms which are affecting your day-to-day life

Abnormal brain scan requiring specialist interpretation.

Not all headaches or neurological symptoms will require a neurosurgeon. Depending on your symptoms you may need to see a general physician, neurologist or neurosurgeon.

If you are experiencing sudden neurological symptoms, new seizure, low consciousness or a severe headache which comes on suddenly then you should seek emergency medical help.

How are brain tumours diagnosed?

Your doctor will typically start by asking about your medical history and carrying out a neurological examination. They may suggest any of the following investigations depending on what they find.

Neurological examination

They may test your muscle strength, reflexes, coordination, balance, vision, speech and memory.

MRI Brain scan

An MRI gives a detailed image of your brain and can help identify any abnormal growths.

CT scan

A CT scan can help identify certain abnormalities in your brain, bleeding, swelling or other urgent issues.

Biopsy and further tests

In some cases a biopsy may be required to help identify what type of tumour you have. Whether you need a biopsy or surgery will depend on what is found on your scans, the location of your tumour and your clinical assessment.

Sometimes we cannot get an exact diagnosis of what type of tumour you have from a scan alone. A qualified specialist should make the diagnosis and treatment decisions.

What are my treatment options?

Treatment can depend on the type, size, location, growth rate, symptoms and general health of the patient.

Some treatment options include:

Monitoring – Some slow growing or benign tumours can be monitored with regular scans.

Neurosurgery – Surgery may be recommended to remove as much of the tumour as safely as possible, take some tissue to help with diagnosis or reduce pressure on the brain.

Radiotherapy – Some tumours may require radiotherapy. This can be used post-surgery or as part of a treatment plan.

Chemotherapy – Some tumours may require treatment with medication.

Some patients require a mixture of treatments. An individualised treatment plan should be created by your medical team.

Why is it important to get medical advice?

Getting seen early can help your doctor to investigate any worrying symptoms and identify possible causes. However, just because you are experiencing symptoms does not mean you have a brain tumour. Many individuals will have headaches or dizziness and not have a brain tumour.

Don’t try to self diagnose and if you are experiencing serious neurological symptoms then don’t delay getting emergency help. Follow any treatment and follow up advice given by your healthcare team.

Local Brain and Neurosurgery Support Agra

If you are worried about long-term neurological symptoms or have had an abnormal brain scan then you should get seen by a qualified medical professional.

Polaris Neurosciences Hospital, Agra can provide you with a local point of contact. Please check with the hospital to ensure they have the relevant specialist available, diagnostic tests and treatment options.

Conclusion

Warning signs of a brain tumour can include long-term or changing headaches, seizures, visual problems, memory problems and weakness/balance issues. Symptoms can have many causes so it is important to get seen by a professional for an accurate diagnosis.

Knowing when to get medical help can help ensure you are getting the right treatment. If you are experiencing severe symptoms then you should seek emergency help.

If you have any concerns about brain tumours or neurological symptoms then speak to a qualified healthcare professional.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.