Doctor explains: The brain tumour warning signs often mistaken for stress and migraines

A nagging headache after a long workday, occasional dizziness or unexplained forgetfulness is often brushed aside as stress, poor sleep or the pressures of modern life. But experts warn that some of these seemingly harmless symptoms can occasionally signal a far more serious problem — a brain tumour.

While most headaches are not linked to cancer, persistent or worsening neurological symptoms such as seizures, vision disturbances, balance issues and unexplained changes in behaviour should never be ignored. Early diagnosis can not only expand treatment options but also significantly improve outcomes at a time when advances in minimally invasive surgery, AI-assisted navigation and precision diagnostics are transforming brain tumour care.

In an interview with Firstpost, Prof. (Dr.) Chhitij Srivastava, Director – Neurosurgery at Apollomedics Super Speciality Hospitals (Lucknow) discusses the early signs of brain tumours, the growing number of diagnoses among younger individuals, common myths surrounding brain surgery and how new technologies are improving survival and recovery.

Brain tumour symptoms are often mistaken for stress, migraines or lifestyle issues. Which early warning signs should people take seriously?

Dr Srivastava: One of the biggest challenges with brain tumours is that their early symptoms can be subtle and easily dismissed as everyday health problems. Persistent headaches, especially those that worsen over time, occur more frequently in the morning, or are accompanied by nausea and vomiting should not be ignored.

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Other warning signs include unexplained seizures, vision changes such as blurred or double vision, persistent dizziness, balance difficulties, weakness or numbness in a part of the body, and noticeable changes in memory, personality or speech.

It is important to remember that these symptoms do not automatically indicate a brain tumour. However, when they are persistent, progressive, or significantly different from what a person has experienced before, they warrant medical evaluation. Early diagnosis often provides more treatment options and can improve outcomes.

Are brain tumours becoming more common among younger people? What factors may be contributing to this trend?

Dr Srivastava: Yes, there has been a noticeable rise in brain tumour diagnoses among younger individuals in recent years. Part of this increase can be attributed to greater awareness and improved access to advanced diagnostic imaging such as MRI scans. However, changing lifestyle and environmental factors are also being closely studied.

Factors such as rising obesity rates, sedentary lifestyles, chronic stress, unhealthy dietary habits, increasing exposure to air pollution and environmental toxins may contribute to overall cancer risk, although a direct causal relationship with brain tumours is still being investigated.

Recent studies have shown that brain and central nervous system tumours are among the most common cancers affecting adolescents and young adults, with incidence trends gradually increasing over recent decades.

Additionally, a significant proportion of brain tumour cases occur in individuals between the ages of 10 and 24, underscoring the importance of recognising symptoms early and seeking timely medical attention.

Why does awareness of brain health and neurological symptoms remain low in India despite growing health consciousness?

Dr Srivastava: One reason is that neurological symptoms can be difficult to recognise and often develop gradually. People may attribute memory problems, headaches, mood changes or balance issues to stress, ageing or fatigue rather than considering a neurological cause.

There is also a tendency to seek medical attention only when symptoms become severe enough to interfere with daily life. In many communities, limited access to specialist care and a lack of public education about neurological disorders further contribute to delayed diagnosis.

Improving awareness requires sustained efforts from healthcare professionals, policymakers, schools and the media to help people understand that the brain, like any other organ, can develop diseases that benefit from early detection and treatment.

How are minimally invasive surgery, precision diagnostics and modern technology improving outcomes for brain tumour patients?

Dr Srivastava: Advances in technology have given neurosurgeons a wide range of options while performing these procedures. For instance, minimally invasive surgical approaches now use sound wave-based tools to break down tumour tissue into microscopic particles, which can then be suctioned out. This technique allows targeted removal of soft tumour tissue while preserving healthy areas of the brain.

Similarly, advanced microscopes, neuro-navigation systems, intraoperative imaging, robotic assistance and AI-guided navigation help surgeons remove tumours with greater precision while protecting healthy brain tissue. In some cases, we can even monitor critical functions such as speech and movement during surgery to reduce the risk of neurological deficits.

As a result, many patients experience shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, fewer complications and a better quality of life after treatment. Advances in targeted therapies, radiation techniques and molecular diagnostics are also helping us personalise treatment and improve long-term outcomes.

What are some of the biggest myths about brain tumours and brain surgery that need to be addressed?

Dr Srivastava: One of the most common myths is that a brain tumour is always fatal. In reality, many brain tumours are treatable, and some can be completely cured, especially when detected early.

Another misconception is that brain surgery inevitably leads to paralysis, memory loss or major disability. While all surgeries carry risks, modern neurosurgical techniques have made both minimally invasive and conventional procedures significantly safer and more precise than they were in the past.

Many people also believe that headaches automatically indicate a brain tumour. In fact, the vast majority of headaches are caused by far more common conditions and are not linked to tumours. At the same time, some individuals dismiss persistent symptoms because they assume they are too young or too healthy to develop a serious neurological condition.

The most important message is that fear should never prevent someone from seeking medical advice. Early consultation, accurate diagnosis and timely treatment can make a significant difference to both survival and quality of life.