Persistent morning headaches could indicate brain tumour, says neurosurgeon

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Neurosurgeon specialising in neurovascular surgery, Dr Mardjono Tjahjadi, has stated that severe headaches that consistently appear in the morning could be one of the symptoms of a brain tumour.

“The headache consistently appears most severe upon waking up in the morning. After waking, the headache usually persists, but it is not as intense as it was in the early morning. If you experience such headaches, you should seek a medical examination,” said the neurosurgery specialist from Padjadjaran University, affectionately known as Joy, during a media briefing in Jakarta on Thursday.

Headaches that consistently appear in the morning are influenced by body positioning during sleep at night. When sleeping in a supine or flat position, the effects of gravity on blood flow and cerebrospinal fluid are prolonged, leading to increased intracranial pressure.

Joy noted that headaches serving as symptoms of brain tumours are typically chronic and progressive.

Chronic means the complaint has lasted for months and, although the intensity fluctuates, the headache remains present. Progressive means the pain becomes more severe as each day passes.

“Therefore, if there is a chronic progressive headache, it must be suspected. Furthermore, the headache does not feel like a needle prick, but rather like pressure. The headache feels dull, aching, or as if it is being gripped,” Joy explained.

Symptoms of a brain tumour, according to Joy, can vary depending on the size, location, and growth rate of the tumour. Generally, symptoms of a brain tumour also include behavioural changes, sudden seizures, difficulty speaking, nausea or vomiting, and impairments in vision or hearing.

Joy added that the exact cause of brain tumours remains unknown. They are the growth of abnormal cells within or around the brain that can increase pressure inside the cranial cavity, leading to various health complaints and issues.