Brain Tumor: Signs and Diagnostic Procedures
April 15, 2024 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Erika Stolzheim
Dear Doctor,
My name is Renata Kieselbach and I am reaching out to you because I am concerned about possible signs of a brain tumor. Over the past few weeks, I have been experiencing frequent headaches that worsen in the mornings and are often accompanied by nausea. Additionally, I have been having issues with my vision, particularly experiencing double vision at times. My ability to concentrate has also significantly decreased recently and I feel somewhat disoriented overall.
These symptoms are causing me great concern and I am wondering if they could be indicative of a brain tumor. I am aware that these signs could have many other causes, but due to my family history of a brain tumor in my father, I am particularly worried.
Could you please explain to me what signs are typical of a brain tumor and what diagnostic procedures should be considered to determine a possible illness? Are there specific symptoms I should watch out for and what steps should be taken to obtain an accurate diagnosis?
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Renata Kieselbach
Dear Mrs. Kieselbach,
Thank you for your trust and your open words regarding your symptoms and concerns. It is understandable that you are worried about possible signs of a brain tumor, especially due to the family history with your father. It is important to take these symptoms seriously and undergo a thorough examination to determine the cause of your discomfort.
Typical signs of a brain tumor can be diverse and often depend on the location and size of the tumor. The most common symptoms include headaches, especially in the morning or during physical exertion, nausea and vomiting, vision problems such as double vision or impaired vision, neurological deficits such as paralysis, speech difficulties, or coordination problems, changes in behavior or personality, epileptic seizures, as well as problems with memory or concentration.
The accurate diagnosis of a brain tumor requires various diagnostic procedures. The most common examinations include a thorough physical examination, a neurological examination to assess the functions of the nervous system, imaging techniques such as MRI or CT of the head, cerebrospinal fluid analysis to detect possible tumor cells in the cerebrospinal fluid, and a tissue biopsy for a precise histological examination of the tumor.
It is important that you promptly consult a neurologist or neurosurgeon if your symptoms persist or worsen, in order to receive an accurate diagnosis. The earlier a potential tumor is detected, the better the treatment options and prognosis.
I recommend scheduling a consultation with a specialist and discussing all your symptoms and concerns in detail. The doctor will then initiate the necessary examinations to determine the cause of your discomfort and take appropriate measures.
I hope that my information is helpful to you, and I am available for further questions. I wish you all the best and hope that your symptoms turn out to be benign.
Best regards,
Erika Stolzheim, Specialist in Neurology / Neurology
