Neurology Awareness · Hyderabad
Signs of a Brain Tumor
Persistent neurological symptoms deserve prompt medical attention. Learn which headaches, vision changes, seizures, or personality shifts require an urgent opinion from a neurosurgeon.
Why early recognition matters
Brain tumours can compress critical areas controlling movement, speech, or vision. Some grow slowly with subtle symptoms; others progress quickly. Early evaluation minimises emergency presentations, allows safer surgery, and improves long-term outcomes.
While most headaches are benign, certain patterns—especially those with neurological signs—warrant immediate imaging. Documenting symptoms helps us triage and coordinate scans without delay.
Common symptom clusters
- • Headaches worse in the morning or with coughing/bending
- • New-onset seizures or focal jerking
- • Vision changes, double vision, or speech difficulty
- • Weakness, numbness, or clumsiness in a limb
- • Personality changes, memory lapses, or slowed thinking
- • Hormonal or menstrual changes (pituitary tumours)
Emergency red flags — act immediately
- • “Thunderclap” headache or sudden severe pain with vomiting
- • Seizure lasting longer than five minutes or back-to-back seizures
- • Loss of consciousness or repeated vomiting
- • Rapid-onset weakness, speech loss, or vision loss
- • Signs of infection (fever, neck stiffness) with headache
Visit the nearest emergency department or call local medical services immediately. Early intervention can be life-saving.
Diagnostic pathway at Yashoda Hospital, Malakpet
- Neurological assessment to map symptoms, reflexes, and cranial nerve function.
- MRI brain with contrast; CT head when MRI is contraindicated.
- Functional imaging (fMRI, MR spectroscopy, DTI) for lesions near speech or motor areas.
- Endocrine or visual field testing when pituitary or optic pathway involvement is suspected.
- Tumour board review to decide on surgery, radiosurgery, or continued surveillance.
What to expect after imaging
If imaging reveals a mass, Dr. Sayuj Krishnan discusses surgical and radiosurgical options, outlining risks, benefits, and expected recovery. Benign findings lead to referrals for migraine, ENT, or neurology care. Ambiguous lesions may require close monitoring or stereotactic biopsy.
Families receive counselling from nurse navigators and—when requested— psych-oncology support to manage anxiety during decision-making.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all persistent headaches caused by brain tumours?
No. Most headaches stem from migraine, tension, or sinus issues. However, headaches that escalate, differ from your usual pattern, or occur with neurological symptoms require urgent evaluation.
When should I get an MRI?
Arrange imaging if headaches worsen, you experience seizures, or you notice speech, vision, or limb changes. An MRI with contrast is the gold-standard scan, and we advise the appropriate protocol.
Can lifestyle changes reverse brain tumour symptoms?
Lifestyle optimisation supports recovery but does not treat a tumour. Medical assessment ensures the right imaging and treatment plan if a tumour is present.
Should I see a neurologist or neurosurgeon first?
If imaging already shows a mass, consult a neurosurgeon directly. When symptoms are unexplained, both neurologists and neurosurgeons can initiate scans and coordinate the next steps.
Do brain tumour symptoms appear suddenly?
Some do, particularly bleeding tumours or those causing hydrocephalus. Many grow slowly with subtle changes in cognition, vision, or personality—another reason to seek early review.
Dr. Sayuj Krishnan, Neurosurgeon
Room 317, OPD Block, Yashoda Hospital, Malakpet, Hyderabad, Telangana 500036
Phone: +91 9778280044 · Email: neurospinehyd@drsayuj.com
Authored by: Dr. Sayuj Krishnan S, Neurosurgeon
Reviewed by: Dr. Sayuj Krishnan S, Board Certified Neurosurgeon
Last reviewed: 14 February 2025
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.