Headaches are a frequent condition that, for the most part, are not indicative of anything more serious. A headache can be caused by a lack of rest, loud noise, light, or even changing weather, and is usually treated with rest or over-the-counter drugs. Although this is true again for the vast majority of headaches, they can also be a sign of a potentially deadly underlying condition such as a brain tumour.

'Many suffering from brain tumours have headaches that range from moderate to severe and unrelenting,' experts added. 'I estimate that 50 to 60 per cent of brain tumour patients had headaches just at the time of diagnosis.' They are most commonly associated with some neurologic disorders, such as a seizure or a speech impairment, which led to them.

What are the symptoms of headaches caused by brain tumours?

Every patient's pain is different, but headaches from brain tumours are usually continuous and worst at night or early in the morning. They're commonly described as dull, 'pressure-type' headaches, but some patients also report intense or 'stabbing' pain. They might be particular to a location or generic. Coughing, sneezing, or straining might aggravate them. Early in therapy, a headache caused by a tumour may react to over-the-counter drugs, but it may become more refractory with time.

Although the brain lacks pain receptors, several factors describe why brain tumours generate headaches.

The most fundamental is that a tumour can increase intracranial pressure (pressure within the skull) and stretch the dura (brain and spinal cord covering). Because the dura contains sensory nerve endings, this can be uncomfortable.

'The skull is essentially spherical with a certain quantity of tissue within.' Because the cranium cannot expand to accommodate more tissue (a tumour or blood clot, for example), the tension inside the sphere rises.

Tumours can also form in places where the normal circulation of cerebrospinal fluid—the fluid produced in the brain that coats but also cushions the brain blocked. 'An increase in the fluid can raise intracranial pressure,' explains Dr.

'It's also conceivable that certain cancers emit aggressive proteins (cytokines) that may add to the headache,' Dr. adds, adding that 'some individuals hypothesise that stretching of blood vessels by a tumour might be regarded as painful.'

Is it more common for headache tumours to be malignant or benign?

The type of headaches an individual has doesn't provide doctors with much information the about tumour they're dealing with: Malignant tumours can produce excruciating headaches in certain individuals, whereas benign tumours can cause severe headaches in others. A doctor's examination, in conjunction with imaging investigations such as a CT scan or MRI, will reveal considerably more information.

How long should a person wait before seeing a doctor regarding a headache?

'Remember that the great majority of headaches go away on their own and aren't a sign of something more serious. However, if you experience a new terrible headache or one that is not consistent with your usual headache pattern, you should see your doctor 'says Dr. . 'For example, sudden and severe headaches ('thunderclap headache') are alarming and should be addressed right away. Headaches that wake you up, get worse in the morning, gradually worsen and do not better with over-the-counter drugs, get worse with coughing or leaning forward, or are coupled with other neurologic symptoms should be seen by a doctor.'