THEY are a common nuisance, but some headaches can be a sign of something more serious and even life-threatening. And it is important to know when to get help.
With March being Brain Tumour Awareness Month, we spoke to experts about when a headache should raise concern, and the steps to take if you're feeling worried.
Is a headache a common side effect of a brain tumour?
Headaches are a common symptom of brain tumours, occurring in about 50-60 per cent of patients, said Dr Steven Allder, consultant neurologist at Re:Cognition Health.
"The mechanisms by which brain tumours cause headaches include increased intracranial pressure, direct irritation and changes in blood flow," he said.
Tumours can occupy space in the skull, causing swelling or blocking the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, which leads to increased pressure on the brain.
Dr Allder added: "Additionally, tumours may press on or stretch sensitive tissues like blood vessels or nerves, triggering pain.
Tumours can also disrupt normal blood circulation within the brain, contributing to headaches."
What does a brain tumour headache feel like?
Brain tumour-related headaches have distinct characteristics that can help differentiate them. Here are five key signs to look out for...
1 Persistent, worsening headaches "Unlike typical tension or migraine headaches, brain tumour headaches tend to worsen over time," said Dr Allder. "This progression may involve an increase in the intensity, frequency or duration of the pain."
2 Morning headaches "Lying down for long periods of time can increase pressure in the brain," said Dr Peter Abel, senior lecturer in biomedical sciences at the University of Central Lancashire, who specialises in neuro-oncology. "This means people suffering from a brain tumour might experience headaches more often in the morning, after a night of sleep."
3 Pain concentrated in one area "Headaches in a specific area can also signify the location of the brain tumour, due to pressure or blocked fluid," noted Dr Abel.
4 Othe...
With March being Brain Tumour Awareness Month, we spoke to experts about when a headache should raise concern, and the steps to take if you're feeling worried.
Is a headache a common side effect of a brain tumour?
Headaches are a common symptom of brain tumours, occurring in about 50-60 per cent of patients, said Dr Steven Allder, consultant neurologist at Re:Cognition Health.
"The mechanisms by which brain tumours cause headaches include increased intracranial pressure, direct irritation and changes in blood flow," he said.
Tumours can occupy space in the skull, causing swelling or blocking the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, which leads to increased pressure on the brain.
Dr Allder added: "Additionally, tumours may press on or stretch sensitive tissues like blood vessels or nerves, triggering pain.
Tumours can also disrupt normal blood circulation within the brain, contributing to headaches."
What does a brain tumour headache feel like?
Brain tumour-related headaches have distinct characteristics that can help differentiate them. Here are five key signs to look out for...
1 Persistent, worsening headaches "Unlike typical tension or migraine headaches, brain tumour headaches tend to worsen over time," said Dr Allder. "This progression may involve an increase in the intensity, frequency or duration of the pain."
2 Morning headaches "Lying down for long periods of time can increase pressure in the brain," said Dr Peter Abel, senior lecturer in biomedical sciences at the University of Central Lancashire, who specialises in neuro-oncology. "This means people suffering from a brain tumour might experience headaches more often in the morning, after a night of sleep."
3 Pain concentrated in one area "Headaches in a specific area can also signify the location of the brain tumour, due to pressure or blocked fluid," noted Dr Abel.
4 Othe...
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Daily Record (Digital) - 1 Issue, March 18, 2025