At one point in time, almost every single person has experienced a headache, and, as Arnold said, “It’s not a brain tumor.”
Most people, as a consequence of stress, diet, lack of rest, tobacco, alcohol, etc., will experience a headache or three. Simple solutions like rest, a good diet, and exercise, with careful use of headache medicines like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin can be very successful.
So, how do you know when a headache isn’t just a headache?
Some symptoms to look for that may intimate that a brain tumor could be to blame are a “no-brainer.”
Brain tumor symptoms include sudden weakness, confusion, and difficulty walking or using your hands.
In addition to the milder symptoms, there are patients who experience a seizure, which is a sudden, uncontrolled series of movements that’s often followed by passing out. When a patient experiences their first seizure, tests and an MRI of the brain must be conducted so that the damage and the cause can be assessed.
If a violent headache seemingly comes out of nowhere, this could mean that an aneurysm has ruptured.
Additionally, if a headache wakes you up from a sound sleep or you experience chronic migraines, consult your doctor.
Patients experiencing a sudden, severe, “this is the worst headache of my life” headache this should not be taken lightly and they should seek medical help immediately.
While there are mild and more severe symptoms that are associated with brain tumors, most do not present clear-cut symptoms.
The answer to whether a headache is not just a headache can be addressed by asking a series of simple questions that include:
- Severity?
- Location?
- Duration?
- Timing?
- Triggers?
- Effective Self Treatment?
All of these questions can help your doctor understand the nature of your headache and in turn, help provide you with the guidance and the answers that you’re searching for. Your answers will also help your doctor decide if imaging is warranted or not.
Remember, it’s not feasible nor is it practical to image every patient who has a headache.
It’s important to note that brain tumors are relatively uncommon. In fact, only 1 in 100 people will have a headache that is not just a headache.
Please note, the information provided throughout this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and video, on or available through this website is for general information purposes only. If you are experiencing relating symptoms, please visit your doctor or call 9-1-1 in an emergency.
Meet Dr. Rosen
Dr. Rosen most recently served as Department Chair of Neurological Surgery at West Virginia University (WVU) School of Medicine from 2012 through 2017, following his 2011 appointment as Interim Department Chair.
He joined the faculty at WVU in 2001 and held various positions in the WVU Department of Neurosurgery, including vice chair, director of research and the neurosurgical research laboratories, and director of cranial base surgery.
He was professor of Neurosurgery and Program Director for Residency in Neurological Surgery in the WVU Department of Neurosurgery at WVU School of Medicine, among other academic and clinical roles.
If you would like to refer a patient to Dr. Rosen, please call (309) 684-6333
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