Migraine, poor vision could be a brain tumour

Persistently missed menstrual periods, prolonged headaches or migraines, and frequent vision changes that are not cured even after treatment, could be an indication of a tumour in the brain.

Persistently missed menstrual periods, prolonged headaches or migraines, and frequent vision changes that are not cured even after treatment, could be an indication of a tumour in the brain.

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Brain tumour accounts for 60 per cent of all brain surgeries in major hospitals.

Doctors, however, say not everyone with these symptoms has a tumour in the brain. “People with these symptoms should go for advanced tests such as CT scans and MRIs if treatment does not relieve the symptoms,” said Dr Daljit Singh, professor of Neurosurgery, GB Pant Hospital.

More than one lakh cases of brain tumours are reported in India each year, with the numbers increasing because of better diagnosis and increasing longevity.

“Tumours replicate symptoms of infections but advanced tests have made diagnosis easier. International data also shows that the incidence of brain tumour has increased worldwide, with urban population at a higher risk,” said Dr Singh.

Recent studies have shown that people belonging to the higher socio-economic group and living in a hyper-hygenic environment are at higher risk of tumours.

The Delhi Neurological Association, in collaboration with International Brain Tumour Alliance (IBTA), is organising a week-long campaign October 31 to raise spread brain tumour awareness. Seminars, lectures and presentations in 30 hospitals, including AIIMS, Sir Ganga Ram, Max and Fortis, will familiarise people with the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and new research.