Know the 7 early warning signs of a brain tumour you should never ignore. Learn the symptoms, risks, and when to seek medical help for timely diagnosis.
A brain tumour is the irregular proliferation of cells within the brain or surrounding it. Although not every tumour is a cancerous one, even benign tumours are quite dangerous as they press on the sensitive parts of the brain. When a brain tumour is detected early enough, the difference it can make to treatment and recovery can be significant. Unfortunately, most of the symptoms may appear initially and usually are confused with regular problems like headaches or stress.
Headaches are a common occurrence for nearly everybody, and brain tumour-associated headaches are not the same. They are more common and extreme in the morning or upon waking up. It can also worsen during coughing, sneezing or stooping. When you realise that your headaches are lasting longer, the pain becomes more severe or fail to improve with the regular medicine you are taking, you should it checked.
The brain tumours may compress the optic nerves or other visual components of the brain. This can result in a blur in vision, a wavering vision or even a partial loss of sight. Some people also notice flashing lights or blind spots. When sudden vision transformations continue to occur, then it is an indication that something more severe is at play.
Red flags can also be nausea and vomiting with no definite cause, such as food poisoning or stomach flu. Tumours enlarge the pressure in the skull, involving the causes of these symptoms, in the morning in particular. In case nausea and vomiting continue, along with the headaches or any other alterations, it may be advisable to visit a doctor.
One of the most predominant initial effects of brain tumours is seizures. They occur due to the tumour choking off nerve cells in the brain, leading to distorted electrical conditions. Seizures can take the form of abrupt jerky motions, body rigidity, bizarre feelings or even partial unconsciousness. Any person who has a seizure for the first time should consult a doctor immediately.
Emotions, personality and decision-making are under the control of the brain. Tumours in some regions may produce the effect of noticeable changes in the thinking or behaviour of the person. This may appear as loss of memory, confusion, hypoconcentration, irritability or odd mood swings. In other cases, friends and family notice such changes earlier than the individual realises it.
In case a tumour arises in the movement or sensation side of the brain, it can make one weak, numb or lacking coordination normally on one side of the body. That may complicate such a straightforward task as holding a thing, walking in a straight line, or writing. These symptoms must never be ignored because they can be considered fatigue.
The brain tumours may also disrupt the power to speak language and hear correctly. A person can just be unable to find words, speech might be slurred, or they might even have a problem in tracking a conversation. Another possible notification of disease presence is hearing impairment in one ear without causing factors.
The sooner a brain tumour is identified, the better the treatment process can be performed. Most of these symptoms are also attributable to non-serious ailments, yet you should never be poor in caution. Disregarding an illness despite consistent red flags could cause postponement in diagnosis and treatment, that causes complications.
Although a brain tumour is a scary condition, early detection and enhanced outcomes can be achieved with knowledge of the symptoms. Headaches, vision impairments, seizures, or any of the other red flags listed above are persistent and should not be ignored by you or others, either. Consult a doctor when required.