‘Seizures, headaches early symptoms of brain tumour’

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, June 8

There are over 120 different types of brain tumours that exhibit different symptomatology, shared Dr Vishnu Gupta, additional director, Neurosurgery, and Dr Alok Jain, consultant, Neurology, Fortis Hospital, Ludhiana, to create awareness on World Brain Tumour Day.

World Brain Tumour Day is observed on the June 8 annually with the objective of spreading awareness and educating people about the disease.

“Whenever we talk about brain tumour, the first symptom that comes to our mind is headache; a severe persistent headache, especially when associated with vomiting that relieves the ache. This is usually known as the primary signal of brain tumour. If you are having headache for over 4-5 days, consult your doctor. Seizures are also symptoms of a brain problem. They happen because of sudden, abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The late onset of a seizure is an indicator of brain tumour,” said Dr Jain.

A tumour near the optic nerve causes blurred or double vision. It may also cause abnormal eye movements or double vision depending on the exact location and size of the tumour. Some brain tumours may cause speech difficulties. Brain tumours usually affect cognitive abilities which results in memory problems, concentration problems, and may also lead to confusion. It also changes the way a person behaves, added Dr Gupta.

Lifestyle changes such as regular physical activity, eating nutritious food and regular intake of water should be inculcated to make the body stronger and more resistant to the development of tumors. There is no specified known cause for brain tumors. There isn’t even a set age range within which a person can develop a tumour.

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