Brain tumours, whether cancerous or non-cancerous, are characterized by an abnormal growth of cells in the brain or in close proximity to it. The symptoms of brain tumours can vary depending on their location, with cancerous tumours typically progressing faster than non-cancerous ones which tend to exhibit slower growth. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of brain tumours in order to seek prompt medical attention.
On World Brain Tumour Day 2024, it is crucial to shed light on the surprising signs of brain tumours that people often overlook. While headaches are a common symptom, there are other less obvious signs that should not be ignored. Dr. Rahul Gupta, Director of Neurosurgery at Fortis Hospital in Noida, shares some of these lesser-known signs:
1. Abnormal behaviour: Patients may exhibit silent, non-cooperative, or confused behavior, which could be attributed to tumours in the frontal lobes of the brain.
2. Peripheral vision loss: Pressure on the optic pathway can lead to vision loss, which may be misdiagnosed by both patients and eye surgeons.
3. Hormonal disturbances: Menstrual abnormalities, infertility, and other hormonal issues may be overlooked as symptoms of a brain tumour.
4. Drunkard gait: Imbalance while walking can be a sign of a brain tumour located at the back of the brain.
5. Hearing problems: Gradual hearing loss in one ear could be a result of a tumour affecting the eighth cranial nerve.
6. Sudden severe headache: Hemorrhages in pre-existing brain tumours can cause sudden and severe headaches, leading to emergency situations.
Dr. Bharath Kumar Surisett, a Consultant Neuro Physician and Movement Disorder Specialist at Yashoda Hospitals in Hyderabad, emphasizes the need for early recognition of brain tumour symptoms. In addition to the common signs, Dr. Kumar also highlights these lesser-known symptoms:
7. Weakness in limbs: Motor weakness in the face or limbs may indicate a brain tumour in the frontal lobe.
8. Language problems: Difficulty with language can be a symptom of tumours in specific regions of the brain.
9. Visual problems: Brain tumours can lead to various visual symptoms such as scotomas, visual field defects, and double vision.
10. Seizures: Seizures can occur at any stage of brain tumour development and may indicate progression of the disease.
11. Nausea and vomiting: Increased intracranial pressure from brain tumours can cause nausea and vomiting.
12. Syncope: Transient loss of consciousness and tone can occur in brain tumour patients due to changes in intracranial pressure or brainstem compression.
It is important to recognize these signs and symptoms of brain tumours in order to receive timely and effective treatment. Regular check-ups and consultations with healthcare professionals can help in early detection and management of brain tumours.
