World Brain Tumour Day highlights subtle warning signs that people often ignore completely

World Brain Tumour Day, which is marked globally every year on June 8, highlights the vital necessity of spotting the frequently disregarded indicators of brain tumours.

Although the vast majority of headaches prove entirely benign, specific alterations in how headaches behave alongside concurrent neurological indicators can occasionally signal a far more critical underlying medical issue, such as a brain tumour.

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During a conversation with HT Lifestyle, Dr Neha Pandita, who works as a Senior Consultant Neurologist and Unit Head, Clinical Lead – Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders at Fortis Hospital in Noida, explained, “Most headaches are benign and are usually caused by stress, poor sleep, dehydration, or eye strain.

"But sometimes a headache that doesn’t go away or is unusual can be a warning sign of a brain tumour. The problem is that the early indications are subtle and easy to miss."

She points out that a primary red flag involves a headache that steadily intensifies or occurs more frequently as time progresses. “Unlike a regular headache, it might be worse in the morning, wake you up from sleep, or be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

"Headaches alone are not usually a sign of a brain tumour, but any change in the pattern of your headaches should not be ignored,” she clarifies.

The Chairman and Group Director of Neurology at Yatharth Hospitals, Dr Kunal Bahrani, shares this perspective. “Headaches are a part of modern life. They are triggered by long hours at work, screen time, poor sleep and daily stress. Most headaches are benign but sometimes they can indicate something more serious, such as a brain tumour,” Dr Bahrani states.

According to his assessment, an early warning sign is a headache that deviates from a patient's normal discomfort. “One of the first red flags is a different type of headache. It may be more frequent, more severe, or not respond to the usual remedies. Headaches that are worse in the morning or become more severe when you cough, bend over or exercise may be noticed by some people,” he points out.

Overlooked Neurological Warning Signs

Dr Neha explains that individual experiences can alter significantly based on the precise location of the growth within the brain structure.

“Other symptoms may include unexplained vision changes such as blurred or double vision, problems with hearing, balance difficulties, or ongoing dizziness. Some people may experience weakness or numbness in an arm or leg, speech difficulties, memory problems, or noticeable changes in personality and behaviour,” she notes.

Dr Bahrani observes that numerous red flags are regularly misidentified as simple fatigue, pressure, or standard daily exhaustion.

“These include ongoing nausea, unexplained vomiting, blurred vision, changes in hearing, difficulty concentrating and memory lapses. Some people may experience mood swings, personality changes, or unusual irritability for no reason,” he remarks.

He further details that physical signs can vary according to the specific region of the brain that is compromised.

“Depending on which part of the brain is affected, you may also have problems with your balance, coordination or weakness on one side of your body. Another symptom that should not be ignored is a seizure, especially for someone who has never had one before,” he states.

Highlighting fit episodes as a vital warning indicator, Dr Neha adds, “Seizures are another important warning sign, particularly in people without a history of epilepsy. If you have a seizure that you can’t explain, you need to get checked by a doctor immediately, even if it’s just one seizure,” she counsels.

Determining When to Seek Medical Attention

“Persistent symptoms, progressive symptoms, or a combination of symptoms need medical attention. Prompt diagnosis can help identify the underlying cause and improve treatment outcomes,” Dr Neha says.

Similarly, Dr Bahrani stresses that physical signs which remain, deteriorate progressively, or manifest simultaneously require proper clinical investigation.

“It should be stressed that the presence of one or more of these symptoms does not indicate that a person has a brain tumour. The majority of these signs are related to much more common and less serious conditions. But symptoms that hang around or get worse over time, or that come on in combination, deserve medical attention,” he comments.

Focusing on the value of public knowledge rather than anxiety, Dr Bahrani contributes, “It’s not about creating fear, it’s about awareness. Our bodies often give us little hints when something’s off. If you experience persistent symptoms, being aware of the need for prompt medical attention can help ensure serious conditions are diagnosed early and treated effectively.”

Dr Neha summarises, “You shouldn’t panic every time you have a headache, but you should be aware of changes in your body. If the headache is different from your usual pattern or is associated with neurological symptoms, it is safest to see a healthcare professional. Being aware and seeking timely medical advice can make a big difference.”

“The question is not how often you get headaches, but have they changed? If a headache feels different from the norm, it may be worth discussing it with a healthcare professional. Early evaluation can provide reassurance or, when necessary, more timely diagnosis and treatment,” Dr Bahrani concludes.

This report is meant exclusively for informational objectives and does not replace expert medical consultations. Readers must constantly consult their GP with any queries regarding their clinical state.