Debunking 8 Myths That Might Have Given You A Brain Tumour Scare

Getting a consultation from a qualified neurologist/ neurosurgeon not only clears doubts and keeps anxiety at bay but also helps to identify the correct aetiology causing your problems and correct them.

If you are a brain tumour patient, it is important that you take precautions and make some lifestyle changes that will help you fight the disease.

Brain tumours can present various symptoms and signs. Almost all of these are not pathognomonic tumours; multiple alternative explanations are possible for each. Also, we have no conclusive evidence against radiation causing brain tumours.

1. FREQUENT HEADACHES SUGGEST YOU HAVE A BRAIN TUMOUR: Although headaches are a symptom of a brain tumour, just having frequent headaches doesn't mean you have a tumour. There are many reasons to have frequent headaches, and a detailed consultation with a qualified neurologist will help clear your doubts and anxiety.
2. IF ONE OF YOUR PARENTS OR SIBLINGS HAD A BRAIN TUMOUR, YOU WILL HAVE IT AS WELL: Some brain tumours do have a genetic predisposition. However, the risks of developing a brain tumour are multifactorial, and not everyone with a blood relative who has a brain tumour goes on to be diagnosed with one themselves. Nevertheless, it may be a good idea to undergo screening tests.
3. MOBILE PHONE USE LEADS TO BRAIN TUMOURS: There is no conclusive evidence that the calcium in the skull bone absorbs radiofrequency waves, acting as a protective mechanism.
4. USING THE MICROWAVE CAUSES BRAIN TUMOURS: There is no conclusive evidence that microwave use increases the risk of brain tumours.

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5. GETTING A SEIZURE INVARIABLY SUGGESTS YOU HAVE A BRAIN TUMOUR: Brain tumours may cause a seizure depending on their location and size. However, there are many other aetiologies causing seizures and getting a seizure doesn't always mean you have a brain tumour. A detailed consultation with a qualified neurologist will help clear your doubts and anxiety.
6. HAVING DOUBLE VISION OR BLURRED VISION WITH VOMITING INVARIABLY SUGGESTS YOU HAVE A BRAIN TUMOUR: Similar to seizures, while double/blurred vision with vomiting can be seen in a patient having a brain tumour, many other conditions can lead to similar symptoms, and one must see a neurologist before jumping to conclusions.
7. FORGETFULNESS INVARIABLY SUGGESTS YOU HAVE A BRAIN TUMOUR: While tumours situated in the frontal or temporal regions of the brain may be associated with loss of memory, degenerative dementia or brain stroke may also present similarly to encephalitis. Forgetfulness needs medical attention, but it may not always be due to a tumour.
8. IF YOU FEEL SLEEPY OR DROWSY ALL THE TIME, IT INVARIABLY SUGGESTS YOU HAVE A BRAIN TUMOUR: Something as simple as inadequate or less sleep can make you feel groggy. First, it is essential to get your sleep evaluated.

CONCLUSION

The bottom line is that getting a consultation from a qualified neurologist/ neurosurgeon not only clears doubts and keeps anxiety at bay but also helps to identify the correct aetiology causing your problems and correct them. So don't be afraid to see your doctor when you are in doubt!