$Unique_ID{BRK00149}
$Pretitle{Nervous System and Sense Organs}
$Title{What are the Signs of a Brain Tumor?}
$Subject{brain tumor headache}
$Volume{F-1}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What are the Signs of a Brain Tumor?


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QUESTION:  I get headaches often enough to begin to worry about the
possibility of a brain tumor.  What should I be looking for to tell if this
is so?

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ANSWER:  Not all persistent headaches indicate that a person may be
suffering from a brain tumor.
     Nevertheless, severe headaches that occur suddenly, quite frequently
in the morning, when the head is in certain positions, or when one coughs
are suspicious.
     Troublesome changes in mental functions that start rather abruptly
accompanied by lack of enthusiasm, wandering behaviors or impulsiveness,
recent changes in memory, difficulty with arithmetic or reading problems
that are not corrected by eyeglasses, must be called to the attention of
your doctor.  With children such symptoms may be accompanied by headaches
that disturb their sleep or that occur during mornings.  Also, they may
exhibit increased irritability or an unexplained lowering of performance
in school.
     As in most every case, early detection is vital if one is suffering
from a brain tumor, so that early treatment can begin.  Assuredly not
everyone who experiences these symptoms needs a CT scan of the brain but
scans are the most effective and available methods of detecting brain
tumors.
    More important, in your case as with all who live in doubt and anxiety
about their health, is the courage to take the step towards diagnosis that
a visit to your physician accomplishes.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
