Brain tumours: when a headache, memory lapse, or seizure deserves a second look

The Hindu

6 days ago

Every year, over 40,000 individuals in India are diagnosed with brain tumours, according to data from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Yet, in many cases, the diagnosis comes too late. The early warning signs—often subtle, fleeting, or mistaken for everyday stress—are overlooked until symptoms become severe.
Following the observance of World Brain Day on July 22 , it is vital to recognise that timely diagnosis and multidisciplinary care can make a significant difference in not only survival, but also in long-term recovery and quality of life for patients and their families.
When the body whispers
Brain tumours are complex. They vary in type, location, and behaviour—and so do their symptoms. In clinical practice, I often see patients who, in hindsight, experienced signs long before their diagnosis. These early symptoms are frequently dismissed as benign issues: a tension headache, forgetfulness, vision strain, or clumsiness.
Common symptoms of brain tumours include:
Persistent or worsening headaches
Memory lapses or personality changes
Difficulty in speaking or finding words
Blurred or double vision
New-onset seizures
Trouble with balance or coordination
It is important to understand that many of these symptoms—particularly headaches, giddiness, or occasional forgetfulness—are very common and more often than not due to benign conditions like migraines, tension headaches, or positional vertigo. Not every headache warrants a brain scan. However, when these symptoms are unusual in pattern, progressively worsening, or accompanied by other neurological signs, a medical evaluation is essential.
The key challenge is that these symptoms can appear mild or sporadic, leading to delays in seeking medical attention. But when the brain is affected—even subtly—it often tries to signal distress. We need to listen more closely.
Children are not immune
One of the most overlooked realities is that brain tumours affect children too. Among paediatric populations, tumours in the cerebellum—such as medulloblastoma—are relatively common. The signs, however, may not always be easy to spot.
In children, red flags include:
Headaches, especially in the morning
Repeated vomiting without a clear cause
Unsteady gait or difficulty walking
Clumsiness or frequent falls
Unlike adults, children may not articulate their discomfort clearly. A parent's intuition, in such cases, becomes crucial. Prompt neurological evaluation can lead to early diagnosis and treatment, which significantly improves outcomes. With timely surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and structured rehabilitation, many children not only survive but go on to live full, healthy adult lives.
The ripple effects of a brain tumour
The impact of a brain tumour extends far beyond the individual. It disrupts family dynamics, imposes financial burdens, and creates emotional strain for caregivers. It can affect workplace productivity and community engagement. That is why recovery must be viewed not just through a medical lens but a social one.
When treated early, many patients return to school, work, and community life. The difference lies in how quickly the tumour is recognised and how comprehensively it is managed.
The power of modern tools and teamwork
Neuro-oncology teams use a suite of advanced tools designed to enhance precision and safety: neuronavigation systems function like GPS during surgery, guiding the surgeon with remarkable accuracy. High-resolution operating microscopes allow us to see deep brain structures clearly. Awake craniotomy enables patients to stay awake during surgery to protect speech and movement centres. Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring helps preserve critical brain functions during complex procedures. Comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation ensures that recovery continues well beyond the operating room.
These innovations help us safely access delicate regions of the brain while preserving the patient's independence and cognitive function.
A realistic, hopeful outlook
While early detection improves prognosis, it is important to acknowledge that not all brain tumours behave predictably. Some aggressive tumours may resist treatment even when diagnosed early. Others may lie dormant and symptom-free for extended periods. That said, the opportunity for meaningful intervention exists at nearly every stage.
Whether through surgical removal, chemotherapy, radiation, or supportive therapies, modern neuro-oncology offers real hope—particularly when treatment is tailored to the individual.
Brain tumours don't always present dramatically. They may arrive disguised as a persistent headache, an uncharacteristic lapse in memory, or a subtle speech difficulty. In children, they may be hidden behind a morning vomit or a minor fall. These are not signs to ignore.
This World Brain Day, let us renew our commitment to awareness and early action. By paying attention to the whispers, we can catch the signs sooner, act faster, and improve the lives of those affected. Because sometimes, listening to the smallest signals leads to the biggest differences.
(Dr. Komal Prasad C. is a senior consultant – neurosurgery, Narayana Health City, Bengaluru. [e-mail])