6 Symptoms of Brain Tumours That Need Urgent Medical Help
Brain tumours can present with a variety of symptoms, some of which are subtle and progress slowly, while others may signal a medical emergency. Delaying medical attention for warning signs can lead to serious neurological complications or irreversible damage. Understanding the symptoms of a brain tumour that necessitate immediate evaluation by a neurosurgeon can make a significant difference in prognosis and treatment outcomes.
Discover the key red flags that warrant urgent care from a hospital in Singapore.
1. Sudden, Severe Headaches Not Relieved by Medication
Headaches are a common complaint, but those caused by brain tumours are often persistent, worsening over time, and resistant to conventional pain relief. Once the headache becomes increasingly intense, especially in the early morning or during periods of lying down, this may signal increased intracranial pressure. The abrupt onset of a headache unlike any experienced before, often described as the “worst headache of one’s life,” should not be ignored. Such patterns may indicate tumour growth or swelling in the brain and require immediate assessment by a neurosurgeon for imaging and diagnosis.
2. Unexplained Seizures or Sudden Convulsions
One of the most alarming symptoms of brain tumour is the sudden development of seizures, particularly in adults with no previous history of epilepsy. Tumours can disrupt normal electrical activity in the brain, leading to focal or generalised seizures. These may manifest as sudden jerking of limbs, loss of consciousness, confusion, or brief periods of unresponsiveness. Any unexplained seizure episode should prompt an urgent neurological evaluation, as it is often one of the first indicators of a space-occupying lesion in the brain.
3. Rapid Onset of Vision or Speech Disturbances
Visual disturbances such as blurred vision, double vision, or a sudden loss of peripheral sight can occur when tumours affect the optic pathways or regions responsible for visual processing. Likewise, slurred speech, difficulty finding words, or comprehension problems may point to tumours impacting language centres in the brain. These symptoms can develop rapidly and are often mistaken for signs of a stroke. However, in the context of a brain tumour, they indicate immediate pressure on functional brain areas and require the urgent attention of a neurosurgeon in Singapore to avoid permanent impairment.
4. Progressive Weakness or Numbness on One Side of the Body
Motor and sensory symptoms are frequently reported in patients with tumours located near the motor cortex or brainstem. A sudden inability to move an arm or leg, facial drooping, or a gradual decline in strength or coordination may suggest that the tumour is disrupting nerve pathways. These symptoms often appear on one side of the body and tend to worsen over time. While such signs may initially appear mild, their progression is a serious warning sign. Prompt imaging and referral to a neurosurgical team are critical in determining the underlying cause.
5. Confusion, Memory Loss, or Changes in Personality
Brain tumours can affect cognitive function and emotional regulation, especially when located in the frontal or temporal lobes. Signs such as disorientation, short-term memory loss, mood swings, or a marked change in personality may develop over weeks or even days. Family members are often the first to observe these shifts. Once these changes are acute or worsen suddenly, they could be symptomatic of swelling or tumour-related pressure in sensitive brain regions. Early intervention by a neurosurgeon can help preserve function and improve quality of life.
6. Persistent Nausea and Vomiting Without a Digestive Cause
While nausea and vomiting are typically associated with gastrointestinal issues, their occurrence without any clear digestive cause, especially when combined with other neurological symptoms, should raise concern. These symptoms can result from increased intracranial pressure due to a growing brain tumour. Vomiting that occurs upon waking or is accompanied by headache, visual changes, or confusion is particularly concerning and should not be dismissed.
Conclusion
Recognising the symptoms of a brain tumour that require immediate medical attention is vital for timely diagnosis and effective treatment. Individuals experiencing sudden or progressive neurological changes, particularly those described above, should not delay seeking help. A neurosurgeon is equipped to assess these symptoms, order necessary scans, and prescribe next steps for therapy or surgical intervention. Early diagnosis often leads to better outcomes and fewer complications in both benign and malignant brain tumour cases.
Visit the National University Hospital (NUH) to take control of your neurological health today.
