When is a Headache a Cause for Concern?
- Most people experience headaches occasionally. While most headaches are relatively harmless, they can be a symptom of a brain tumor.
- “Headaches are very common. Most people have headaches once in a while,” Dr. Herbert Newton, a neuro-oncologist at University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio, explains. “The red flag for a brain tumor headache is usually it’s a different type of headache than the person’s chronic headache.”
- If your headache does not improve with rest or over-the-counter pain relievers, is more severe in the morning or wakes you up from sleep, or is associated with nausea or vomiting, especially without other common causes like food poisoning or flu, consider seeing a doctor.
- Other signs of glioma include seizures, memory or cognitive changes, weakness/numbness, and mood or behavioral changes.
However, for many people, a persistent or unusual headache could spark fears that something more serious is wrong, such as a brain tumor. While this concern is understandable, it is important to note that the vast majority of headaches are not caused by brain tumors.
Read MoreWhen Should a Headache Cause Concern?
While most headaches are harmless, certain symptoms may indicate a more serious problem.If you experience any of the following, it is crucial to seek medical attention.
A Headache That Feels Unusual or Persistent
If your headache does not improve with rest or over-the-counter pain relievers, is more severe in the morning or wakes you up from sleep or is associated with nausea or vomiting, especially without other common causes like food poisoning or flu, consider seeing a doctor.
Headaches are one of the most common symptoms people with brain tumors experience, Dr. Newton says. “You see those in 85 to 90% of patients.”
Seizures
About 60 to 75% of patients also experience seizures, Dr. Newton says. If you experience a seizure for the first time, without a history of epilepsy or have muscle jerking, loss of consciousness, or unusual sensations before or after the event, this should prompt a doctor visit.
Memory Problems or Cognitive Changes
Patients with brain tumors may experience difficulty remembering recent events or conversations, confusion or trouble concentrating on daily tasks, or struggling with decision-making or problem-solving skills.
Weakness or Numbness
Patients may experience sudden or gradual weakness in the arms, legs, or face, numbness or tingling, especially if it affects one side of the body, and difficulty with coordination or balance.
Vision or Hearing Changes
Additional symptoms might include blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision in one or both eyes, hearing loss or ringing in the ears (tinnitus), or increased sensitivity to light or sound.
Mood or Behavioral Changes
Brain tumors may also cause increased irritability, depression, or anxiety that is out of character — as well as personality shifts, such as becoming more withdrawn or aggressive, or unexplained mood swings or emotional instability.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical evaluation as soon as possible. While these signs do not necessarily mean you have a brain tumor, they do warrant further investigation to rule out serious conditions.
What to Do if You Have Concerning Symptoms
If you or a loved one experiences any of the symptoms listed above, the best course of action is to consult your family doctor. They will begin by taking a detailed medical history and conducting a neurological exam. Based on their findings, they may recommend additional tests to get a clearer picture of what is causing your symptoms.
Common Tests for Headache Evaluation
- Neurological examination: Your doctor will assess your reflexes, muscle strength, balance, coordination, and sensory responses to check for abnormalities in brain function.
- Blood tests: These can help diagnose infections, inflammation, or other systemic conditions that may contribute to headaches.
- Imaging Studies (CT or MRI of the Brain): A CT scan provides a detailed view of the brain using X-ray technology and can detect tumors, bleeding, or other abnormalities. An MRI offers an even more detailed image of the brain and is often used when a tumor is suspected. It provides clear images of soft tissues, helping doctors assess any potential masses or structural changes.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Certain symptoms require immediate attention.
If you experience any of the following, you should go to the emergency room right away:
- A sudden, severe headache often described as “the worst headache of my life”
- A headache that comes on suddenly and intensely (also known as a thunderclap headache)
- A headache following a head injury, especially if accompanied by loss of consciousness or confusion
- A seizure, especially if it is your first
- Sudden weakness, difficulty speaking, or loss of coordination
- Persistent vomiting with a severe headache
While headaches are common and usually harmless, it is essential to pay attention to how your body feels. If your headache feels different than usual, lasts longer, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice. Early detection and treatment of serious conditions can make a significant difference in outcomes.
Your health is important, and it is always better to be cautious when it comes to unexplained symptoms. If in doubt, reach out to your doctor, and trust your instincts—seeking medical care when something doesn’t feel right can provide peace of mind and ensure that any underlying issues are addressed promptly.
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