Frequent Headaches? Is It an Indication for Brain Tumor?
The brain tumor is the reason for headaches?
According to medical research, more than 50% of people will experience headaches. However, the headache-causing by a brain tumor is entirely different from tension-type headaches or migraine headaches. Headaches are causing due to brain tumors or having different characteristics, which we have listed below.- They are more intense and painful in the morning.
- They are highly persistent, mostly with people with no history of chronic headaches or severe headaches.
- Over time it worsens up.
- It can make a person wake up in the middle of the night.
- The headaches can last for several days or several weeks.
- It occurs along with vomiting.
- It worsens when the person changes position or person coughs.
Symptoms and Signs of Brain Tumor:
Headaches caused by brain tumors are highly intense pain that most people confuse with hypertension, headaches, or migraine. However, several other symptoms are caused by brain tumors. These additional symptoms and a headache could be the major cause of brain tumors.- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Weakness
- Difficulty in walking
- Loss of coordination
- Frequent vomiting and nausea
- Seizures
- Difficulty in concentrating
- Problems with speech, hearing, vision
- Changes in mood and personality
Major Causes of Brain Tumors:
A tumor can occur in the brain due to the DNA of healthy cell changes or is commonly explained as mutating differently. This enables the cell to grow rapidly by defining the natural growth criteria. A brain tumor is explained as a mass of abnormal cells developing in different regions of the brain. Most brain tumors can form up in the brain without any particular cause. Although the changes happen in the cells, DNA will also affect the genes that control cellular growth and division. Any person who is undergoing gene changes can also lead to cancer. Most importantly, any genetic changes happening in the body result from long-term exposure to different substances that damage DNA. The major causes of such issues are mostly by different substances, including radiation and tobacco smoke. Any brain tumor can either be benign, non-cancerous, or malignant, which is cancerous. However, both types of brain tumors are responsible for increased pressure inside the skull. These are the major reason for the causes of fatigue, headache, or even coma. Brain tumors could also have a long-lasting brain damage issue without proper treatment.Other Causes of Headaches:
Headaches are common symptoms of brain tumors, although several headaches can also indicate cancer. Any person who is facing severe and frequent headaches has a headache disorder. It is most commonly known as tension headache or migraine headache. Even the international classification of headache disorders are included more than 150 distinct types of headaches in their list. There are several most common types, which we have explained below.-
Migraine:
- Nausea
- Throbbing and intense headache
- Vomiting
- Sensitivity towards sound and light
- Slurred and mumbling speech
- Seeing black spots, flashing lights, or zigzag lines
- Feeling numbness in the face, body, or limbs along with the tingling sensation
- Tension Headaches:
- Alcohol or caffeine
- Fatigue
- Eyestrain
- Emotional or physical stress
- Poor posture
- Cluster Headache:
- Sensitivity towards sound on light
- Swollen eyelid or drooping
- Sweating
- Restlessness
- Congested or runny nose
- Flushing
- Watering or redness of the eye
Exact Time to See the Doctor:
It is recommended to consult a doctor if any person faces severe or frequent headaches that are affecting their daily lives. It is important to notice the headaches’ changes in intensity and pattern. Every person should seek emergency medical attention if these of the following experience happens.- Changes in behavior or personality
- Numbness or weakness in one side of the body
- Severe or sudden headache
- Unexpected problems of speech, vision, and hearing
- Seizures
Frequently Asked Questions
While frequent headaches are common, they may rarely indicate a brain tumor. Brain tumor-related headaches are often more severe, worsen over time, and are accompanied by symptoms like vomiting, vision problems, and personality changes.
Headaches caused by brain tumors are persistent, often worse in the morning, and intensify with movement or coughing.
Symptoms include nausea, loss of coordination, seizures, difficulty walking and mood changes.
Seek medical attention if headaches worsen, are sudden, or are accompanied by vision, speech, or behavior changes.
Brain tumors result from DNA changes in cells, often linked to radiation or genetic mutations. Both cancerous and benign tumors can increase pressure in the brain, causing various symptoms.
The causes of many chronic daily headaches are not well understood. True chronic daily headaches have no identifiable underlying cause. Conditions that can cause non-primary chronic daily headaches include: Inflammation or other problems with the blood vessels in and around the brain, including stroke.
Most headaches are not caused by tumors. Common headaches, such as tension headaches or migraines, are usually related to stress, fatigue, or other factors. However, you should see a doctor if your headache is:
- Persistent and worsening over time
- Accompanied by seizures, vision changes, or confusion
- Occurring with nausea or vomiting unrelated to a migraine
- Worse in the morning or when lying down
A medical evaluation, including imaging tests like an MRI or CT scan, can rule out a tumor if there are concerning symptoms.