Brain tumour is a severe disease making its existence among youngsters rapidly.
Dr Bhavna Bansal, Senior Consultant and HOD, Histopathology, Oncquest Laboratories shares the warning signs to watch out for brain tumour in youngsters
A brain tumour is one of the serious diseases leaving a massive impact on the health of an individual. It is caused by abnormal growth of cells in or around the brain. The patients have to deal with a significant symptom burden that can damage specific parts of the brain, causing severe dysfunction. Brain tumours can occur at any age. The one in children varies from an adult tumour in terms of types of cells and the response to the treatment. As per the experts, there is a major rise in the number of youngsters being detected with this disease around the world.
The symptoms and signs of brain tumours vary based on the size and location of the tumour. Many times it increases the pressure around the brain whereas it sometimes results in damaging the whole brain tissue.
5 warning signs of brain tumour in youngsters:
- HeadachesIn youngsters, headaches are common, but they are a warning when they are constantly intense with a constant pattern. Headaches occurring when an individual wakes up early in the morning or while they are asleep are worse for an individual’s health. Hence, becomes a serious warning of a brain tumour.
- Loss in visionAs per studies, it is believed that many types of brain tumours result in weakened vision or loss of eyesight. Although vision changes are yet another common happening but require attention when there is extreme difficulty in focusing or increased sensitivity to light. These can be the indications of optic nerve compression leading to visional pathway disturbance which is a serious sign of brain tumours.
- Nausea and vomitingIf any individual observes flu-like illness and vomiting aligned with a strong headache; then they should count it as a significant warning for brain tumour. This happens when a tumour grows inside a fixed space of the brain which presses the tissue or blocks the flow of the fluid within the brain.
- Loss in hearingBrain tumours often result in hearing loss. Individuals experiencing pressure on their brain nerves and severe pain in their ears simultaneously are warning signs of brain tumours. They develop on the vestibular nerve (also called the balance nerve) and on the auditory nerve. These nerves lead from the inner ear to the brain, creating pressure on the nerve and causing hearing loss.
- SeizuresSeizures are the warning sign of brain tumours which are usually observed in at least 40 per cent of all cases. They are called the first clinical signs of a brain tumour. They are the common symptom of brain tumours, with most patients experiencing them at least once during the course.
Neurological exam to diagnose brain tumour
A patient suffering from a brain tumour undergoes a neurological exam and a specific biopsy based on the size and location of the tumour. This exam includes a variety of tests to evaluate neurological functions such as vision, reflexes and hearing. The diagnosis is made based on the type of biopsy, such as brain biopsy or evaluation of the spinal fluid, if it is observed to be involved in the tumour.
Brain tumour is a severe disease making its existence among youngsters rapidly. It is crucial to learn about the symptoms and the serious warnings of the disease so that it can be diagnosed at an early stage, leaving a positive impact during the treatment. After all, awareness is the crucial pathway to empower our youth towards prioritising the brain health and well-being of their health.
