Brain Tumours: Identifying Symptoms and Understanding the Causes

Brain tumours are a very serious health condition that can affect the way your brain functions, from memory to motor skills. A tumour is essentially a mass of abnormal cells growing in or around the brain. Tumours can be benign, which simply means they are non-cancerous and non-aggressive, or they can be malignant, meaning that they are brain cancer and grow more aggressively.

Understanding brain tumour symptoms is also central to discovering possible causes. This can lead to the detection of issues early and garner the appropriate treatment in its earliest stages. Early diagnosis often makes a difference in managing the condition properly or reaching more complicated outcomes.

Brain Tumours Symptoms

Spotting the symptoms of a brain tumour can sometimes be tricky, as they often resemble less serious health issues. That’s why knowing what to look out for is important.

Common Symptoms

One of the most frequent symptoms people experience with brain tumours is persistent headaches. However, these are usually not the usual headache types - they are often intensified over time and can even keep one up at night. For instance, the pain might worsen in the morning or after strenuous exercise. This is because the tumour causes an increase in pressure inside your skull, which causes pain.

Sometimes, the patients could also suffer from seizures, though without a previous history of the disease. Even if you don't have a history of seizures, a sudden development of the condition might alert you that something is wrong in your head. Seizures are the brain’s way of signalling that it’s not functioning properly. Additionally, unexplained nausea and vomiting, especially when it doesn’t seem related to anything you ate, might also point to increased intracranial pressure.

Neurological Symptoms

Brain tumours often affect your thinking as well as the way you process thoughts. You may start experiencing vision difficulties; things may appear blurry, or you may see double. Loss of hearing in one ear or a ringing sensation also results from a tumour pressure on the auditory nerve. Cognitive decline signs often arise gradually but may worsen over time.

Other neurological disorders or changes are more cognitive, and you may find yourself having trouble concentrating, forgetting things, or being confused. You may forget little things; you might forget to follow up on things you would normally see through. For example, say you, who once handled numbers just fine in your finance job, suddenly start making mistakes you never made before.

Motor function problems are the other major signs. Whenever the tumours tend to interfere with the parts of the brain that regulate movement, you might experience a feeling of weakness in your limbs or off-balance coordination. Walking might be unstable, or you could even be incapable of using your hands for common operations like typing or holding stuff.

When to Seek Medical Attention?

If you notice any of these symptoms and they start to persist or worsen, it’s time to seek medical advice. Brain tumours are rare, but they are serious. Don’t wait for the symptoms to interfere with your daily life before acting. Early intervention is crucial.

Brain Tumours Causes

When it comes to brain tumour causes, a combination of factors could be at play. Some people are more predisposed to developing them based on genetics, while environmental exposures could also contribute.

Genetic Factors

Some brain tumours are linked to hereditary conditions. Genetic syndromes like neurofibromatosis and Li-Fraumeni syndrome are associated with a higher likelihood of developing brain tumours. If a close family member has had one of these conditions, it may increase your risk, although these cases are rare. Still, knowing your family medical history can help your doctor assess your risk.

Family history is another factor to consider. If brain tumours run in your family, even if they aren’t directly linked to a genetic disorder, your doctor might want to keep an eye on your brain health more closely.

Environmental Factors

Some of the more established causes of brain tumours are related to radiation exposure. This does not include the sun tan you get from sitting at the beach or the microwave in which you make popcorn in your kitchen, but rather people who have been treated with radiation for other diseases, often when they were younger. Someone who has had significant exposure to radiation is far more likely to develop some kind of tumour down the line.

Another possible cause could be chemical exposures, although the evidence in this area is still yet to be fully investigated. A person who spends most of their working hours in industries processing rubber or refining oil may probably be exposed to such harmful chemicals over a considerable period of time, hence risking the development of a brain tumour.

Other Risk Factors

Age plays a role in your risk of developing a brain tumour. As you get older, your chances increase, although children can also develop certain types of tumours. Gender is another risk factor, with men being slightly more likely to develop brain tumours, although some specific types, like meningiomas, are more common in women.

Conclusion

Recognising the brain tumour symptoms and understanding the causes are essential steps in ensuring timely detection and treatment. Early diagnosis significantly affects the outcome, so it’s important to act on persistent symptoms. Here at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, we prioritise early detection and provide comprehensive care for brain tumours with our team of dedicated specialists. If you’re experiencing any symptoms or have concerns about your brain health, don’t wait—reach out to us today for expert guidance and support. We’re here to help you every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How are brain tumours diagnosed?

Brain tumours are typically diagnosed through a combination of neurological exams and imaging tests, such as MRIs or CT scans. In some cases, a biopsy is required to confirm the type of tumour.

2. What are the most common treatments for brain tumours?

The treatment plan depends on the type of tumour but often involves surgery to remove it, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these approaches.

3. What tests are used to diagnose brain tumours?

Imaging tests like MRI and CT scans are the most common tools for diagnosing brain tumours. Sometimes, a PET scan or a biopsy is used to get more detailed information about the tumour.

4. Is there a way to prevent brain tumours?

There’s no guaranteed way to prevent brain tumours. However, reducing exposure to known risk factors like radiation and harmful chemicals may help lower your risk.

5. Can a neurologist treat brain tumours?

Yes, neurologists are an essential part of the team when it comes to diagnosing and managing brain tumours. They often work alongside neurosurgeons and oncologists to create a comprehensive treatment plan.

6. Are there specific brain tumour treatment centres?

Yes, specialised centres like BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital offer cutting-edge technology and a multidisciplinary team to treat brain tumours. Our approach is personalised, ensuring each patient gets the most effective treatment for their condition.