“Headache” Everyone has experienced it, but if you have chronic headaches even when your body is fully rested, and there is no stress or worry involved, that signal might be a short message from the brain indicating some abnormality, such as a brain tumor.
3 (Abnormal) Symptoms to Watch for Risk of Brain Tumor
Headache is a symptom found in people of all ages and genders, often occurring daily due to various factors such as changes in vision, sinusitis, head trauma, stress, or even muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, which is common among working-age people. Normally, most headaches disappear within a short period and do not significantly affect daily activities. However, if you have a headache accompanied by any of the following 3 symptoms, it may indicate some abnormality in the brain, and you should consult a doctor for a serious diagnosis.
- Chronic headache means having headaches more than 15 days per month for at least 3 consecutive months. This is often an early symptom of a brain tumor that is growing in size, increasing pressure in the brain, and manifesting as headaches.
- Vomiting, especially vomiting in the morning, is one of the important accompanying symptoms that requires immediate medical attention because it may indicate a brain abnormality not caused by normal stress.
- Abnormal posture or movement or communication problems occur because the mass compresses or presses on the parts of the brain that control various systems. Patients will show different symptoms depending on the brain area affected by the mass, such as inability to speak, weakness or numbness in limbs, balance problems, or seizures in patients with no prior history of seizures.
What to Do Next… When You Might Have a Brain Tumor
Although the exact cause of brain tumors is still unknown, once you experience the symptoms mentioned above, the important thing is to see a doctor for diagnosis to find out what is causing the abnormality. If a tumor is present, it is crucial to determine whether it is a benign tumor (non-cancerous) or a malignant tumor (cancerous). Detailed diagnosis helps patients become aware and respond more quickly. The doctor will evaluate and diagnose according to the following steps:
- Initial symptom assessment: The doctor will ask questions, observe communication, walking posture, test limb strength, and examine the optic nerve for swelling caused by increased brain pressure.
- CT SCAN and MRI: If the doctor suspects a brain tumor, they will confirm the diagnosis with brain scanning (MRI), which clearly shows the location and size of the mass before proceeding with treatment.
Brain Tumor Surgery Using Micro Surgical Technique
Scanning helps doctors confirm the presence of a brain tumor. MRI scans also reveal the exact location of the mass. The next important task is to remove the tumor for examination to determine what it is and proceed with the appropriate treatment.
Most doctors use the Micro Surgical Technique, a medical technique that allows effective surgery by reducing blood loss during the operation. The size and location of the tumor must be considered, as it may not only be in the upper area. Surgery is performed using a microscope combined with camera technology and precise navigation systems to reach the target location before removing the tumor with small instruments. Additionally, laser equipment assists in surgery by reducing blood loss and works well with small surgical cameras called endoscopes.
It can be seen that besides treating diseases and illnesses, doctors continuously strive to increase patient safety standards, especially in brain tumor surgery where safety is paramount. Good treatment should combine the doctor’s expertise with current technology and innovative treatments to achieve the best therapeutic outcomes.
Dr. Theerasak Puenngam
Neurosurgery Specialist
Brain and Nervous System Center, Phyathai 1 Hospital
