By Dr. Atul Sharma — Neuro, Brain & Spine Specialist, Jalandhar
The word "brain tumour" is frightening, but early detection significantly improves the chances of successful treatment. Unfortunately, many early warning signs are often dismissed as stress, fatigue, or common migraines.
Recognizing the difference between a normal headache and a symptom of a neurological issue is crucial. In this article, Dr. Atul Sharma, a leading Neuro specialist in Jalandhar, outlines the subtle signs that your body might be sending you.
What to look for:
Not every headache is a tumour, but pay attention to patterns. Tumour-related headaches often feel different. They are usually **worse in the morning** upon waking up and may improve later in the day. If your headaches are becoming more frequent, more severe, or are triggered by coughing, sneezing, or bending over, consult a neurologist immediately.
What to look for:
Nausea that occurs without any stomach issue or food poisoning is a red flag. This often happens in the morning and can be sudden. It occurs due to increased pressure inside the skull (intracranial pressure) caused by the tumour, which affects the brain's vomiting center.
What to look for:
A seizure is often one of the **first valid signs** of a brain tumour. If a person with no history of epilepsy suddenly experiences a seizure (convulsions, twitching, or staring spells) in adulthood, it requires an urgent MRI or CT scan. Tumours can irritate the electrical firing of the brain neurons, leading to these episodes.
What to look for:
Depending on the tumour's location, it can press against optic nerves or auditory pathways. Symptoms include **blurred vision, double vision, loss of peripheral (side) vision**, or sudden hearing loss in one ear. Often, people visit an eye specialist first, but if glasses don't fix it, the cause might be neurological.
What to look for:
Tumours in the frontal lobe can affect personality and thinking. Family members might notice sudden mood swings, apathy (lack of interest), memory loss, or confusion in performing simple daily tasks. Difficulty speaking or finding the right words is also a common early sign.
Having these symptoms does not confirm a tumour, but they should never be ignored. Modern diagnostics allow for quick and non-invasive detection:
Dr. Atul Sharma emphasizes that timely intervention can lead to simpler treatments and better outcomes.
If you or a loved one are experiencing persistent headaches, vision changes, or unexplained seizures, don't wait. Get a clear diagnosis from an expert.
Consult Dr. Atul Sharma, experienced Neuro, Brain & Spine Specialist, for advanced diagnostics and compassionate care.