World Brain Tumour Day 2023: Know The Early Signs Of Brain Tumour Among Youngsters

Many youngsters with a brain tumour tend to have headaches before the diagnosis which may worsen in the morning as the pressure in the brain increases while lying down.

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New Delhi: World Brain Tumour Day, celebrated on June 8, is dedicated to raising awareness about brain tumours and supporting those who are affected by this challenging condition. A lump or collection of aberrant brain cells is known as a brain tumour. Your brain is housed inside a highly stiff skull. Any growth within such a constrained area can lead to issues. Brain tumours can be cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign). 

Benign brain tumours are non-cancerous and usually have slow growth. They are unique, and they typically don't spread to other areas. However, because they compress and harm a portion of the brain they can cause severe malfunction. Benign tumours can still be hazardous. It can potentially endanger the person's life if the tumour spreads to an important area of the brain.

Brain tumours can affect individuals of all ages, including youngsters. In this regard, ABP Live sought the opinion of experts who explained the early signs of brain tumours among youngsters. 

One of the common symptoms is headache. Many youngsters with a brain tumour tend to have headaches before the diagnosis which may worsen in the morning as the pressure in the brain increases while lying down.

According to Dr Amit Shobhawat, Internal Medicine Expert, at Apollo Spectra Mumbai, "Often, headaches are not a matter of concern and go away on their own. But, this is one of the prominent symptoms of brain tumours. Headaches are a common occurrence when a growing brain tumour puts additional pressure on the healthy cells near the brain. Or a brain tumour can invite swelling in the brain that raises pressure in the head making one prone to a headache."

"Furthermore, the headaches worsen during the morning when one wakes up. Some people may get headaches during sleep and they can feel migraine pain. Brain tumours located in the back of the head cause a headache and neck pain.", he added.

Headaches that are seen due to brain tumours will worsen over time, last for several days or weeks, and even worse when a person coughs or changes position. 

Dr Aakash Chheda who is a neurologist at Zynova Shalby Multispecialty Hospital also highlighted that apart from headaches, dizziness can also indicate that one might be suffering from a brain tumour. So, if one is experiencing worrisome headaches then he/she should go to the doctor. 

Additionally, these headaches are accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, feeling disoriented, inability to speak, and feeling numb or weak on one side of the body. These symptoms will interfere with your ability to do the daily chores with ease.

In this regard, Dr Harish R Naik who is a consultant neurosurgeon (Brain & Spine) at Medicover Hospitals, Navi Mumbai shared the other signs of brain tumours among youngsters. They are as follows:

1. Nausea and vomiting: Are commonly seen in flu or flu-like illnesses. However, one with a brain tumour can experience these symptoms when there is increased pressure inside the brain. If these symptoms persist or coincide with a headache, consult the doctor on an immediate basis.

2. Sleepiness: If one is acting lethargic, or extra sleepy, for no apparent reason, call the doctor for further evaluation.

3. Vision, hearing, or speech changes: So, based on the brain tumour’s location, it can affect vision, hearing, and speech.

4. Balance Problems: When the tumour is near the brain stem, it leads to balance problems and the child may fall often. Thus, parents need to be attentive when it comes to their child’s health.

5. Seizures: If one is having seizures then it will be imperative to visit the expert and get the underlying diagnosis.

6. Memory problems: Forgetfulness is commonly seen in those who have brain tumours.

7. Personality or behaviour changes, weight gain, speech problems, tiredness, and feeling hungry can also indicate brain tumours. 

Lastly, Dr Aakash Chheda said, "To ensure a proper diagnosis, the doctor will take down your medical history and ask you to opt for an MRI, CT scan, PET-CT scan, and Biomarker testing of the tumour. The treatment will be initiated only after confirming the diagnosis of a brain tumour. Brain tumours will need immediate surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. One will have to take treatment based on the doctor’s recommendation,"