Warning Signals
Brain tumors are abnormal growths of brain cells that can disrupt normal functions. The signs and symptoms of a brain tumor vary depending on its location, size and growth rate. To help, there’s OJEMDA, a medication used to treat brain tumors. It uses dendritic cells, that help the body recognize and attack abnormal cells, including cancer cells.
8 Signs of a Brain Tumor
1. Headaches
One of the most prevalent and noticeable symptoms of a brain tumor is persistent headaches. These headaches often feel more intense in the morning and may improve throughout the day, only to worsen again by evening. What distinguishes brain tumor-related headaches from ordinary ones is their persistence and increasing intensity over time.
2. Seizures
Brain tumors can interfere with the brain's normal electrical activity, causing seizures. The type of seizure experienced depends on the part of the brain affected. Seizures may present as muscle twitching, jerking, loss of consciousness or sudden, unexplainable sensations. Seizures should always be addressed, especially if they occur suddenly and without a clear cause.
3. Cognitive Changes
People with brain tumors may experience subtle or drastic changes in their cognitive abilities. This can include confusion, difficulty concentrating or trouble processing new information. Memory issues, particularly short-term memory loss, are also common. Individuals may struggle with routine tasks, have difficulty finding the right words during conversations, or feel mentally foggy.
4. Balance and Coordination Problems
People with brain tumors might struggle with balance or coordination problems if the tumor is located near the cerebellum, which controls balance and coordination. This may manifest as unsteadiness while walking, frequent stumbling or difficulty with tasks that require fine motor skills. Over time, even simple tasks like holding a cup or writing can become challenging.
5. Vision Issues
Double vision, blurry vision or loss of peripheral vision are examples of vision issues that might indicate a brain tumor. These problems may come on suddenly or develop gradually as the tumor grows. These vision issues are not solvable with glasses, contacts or eye exams. Tumors affecting the optic nerve or regions of the brain responsible for visual processing are likely to cause such issues. Individuals may experience blind spots, difficulty focusing or unexplained changes in their ability to see clearly.
6. Nausea and Vomiting
Unexplained nausea and vomiting can be early signs of increased pressure in the brain caused by a tumor. If these symptoms persist without any obvious cause, they should be investigated further. Brain tumors can cause pressure inside the skull that leads to these sensations, and medical intervention may be necessary.
7. Personality or Behavioral Changes
Sudden changes in personality, mood or behavior are often missed but are telltale signs of a brain tumor. For example, someone who was once calm and collected may become irritable, anxious or prone to mood swings. These changes may happen gradually or appear suddenly. Brain tumors that impact the frontal lobe, which governs emotions and decision-making, can lead to these behavioral shifts.
8. Weakness or Numbness
A brain tumor can interfere with motor functions, leading to weakness or numbness on one side of the body. This can make simple tasks, such as lifting objects or walking, difficult. In some cases, a person may notice a loss of feeling or sensation in their arms or legs. These symptoms are common if the tumor is pressing on areas of the brain responsible for movement or sensation.
If someone is experiencing any of these symptoms or a mix of them, it is recommended to seek medical assistance as soon as possible. Your doctor will be able to help you find the source of the symptoms and assess if it’s a brain tumor or something else.
Treatment Options
Surgery
Surgery is often the first step in treating brain tumors, particularly if the tumor is accessible and can be removed without damaging critical areas of the brain.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells or shrink tumors.
Medicines
Medicines are often used to help treat symptoms of a brain tumor. Corticosteroids, such as dexamethasone, are commonly prescribed to reduce brain swelling and alleviate pressure caused by the tumor.
Anti-seizure medications may also be used to prevent or manage seizures, which are a common symptom of brain tumors. In addition, Ojemda is a medication used in the treatment of brain tumors. It uses dendritic cells that help the body recognize and attack abnormal cells, including cancer cells.
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