Is My Headache Caused by a Brain Tumor?

Almost everyone experiences a headache now and then. In most cases these intermittent headaches will not be a sign of a more serious health condition. However, in some instances the headache will only be a symptom of some underlying disease or condition.

There are two types of headaches, primary and secondary. Primary headaches are simply head pain. Secondary headaches are caused when some other health condition such as a disease, infection, brain tumor, or other factor is present. With secondary headaches the head pain is just a symptom of the primary health disorder. By looking at a few factors it is usually possible to determine if your head pain is nothing to be worried about or a serious health condition.

If you suffer with three or more headaches a week, this is not a natural thing. If you are having three or more headaches a week you should see a medical doctor. You should also seek medical help if you are taking painkillers almost every day or if the pain is continually getting more intense, it’s time to talk with a doctor about your problem.

The sudden onset of a headache after a fall or other head injury could signify a major problem and immediate medical assistance is required. If a headache appears suddenly and is severe in intensity, you should again seek immediate medical attention. There are many reasons to seek immediate help from a doctor and the most common reasons are if you have a headache that is accompanied by a fever, seizures, double vision, stiff neck, loss of mental focus or confusion, or rash. Additionally, if you are over 50 years of age and start experiencing new headache pain that you never had before, it’s time to seek help.

Migraine headaches are usually experienced on one side of the head, but will switch sides from one headache to the next. The pain can be on one side for a headache or two and then be on the other side the next time or two. This is normal. However, if the pain is continually on the same side it could be caused by a brain tumor.

Brain tumors will normally be associated with other symptoms as well. They tend to cause a loss of sensation or function on one side of the body as the tumor pushes against tissues on one side of the brain. When a tumor causes an increased amount of pressure on the brain it can cause other symptoms such as loss of balance, vision problems in one eye, or other one-sided symptoms.

If you ever experience symptoms that you believe may be caused by a brain tumor it’s important to seek medical help immediately. The quicker a tumor is discovered the better your chances of successful treatment.