Diagnosing the Tumor Headache



Not all headaches are created equal. Some headaches cause discomfort in the head, but do not make it impossible for an individual to work. Other headaches, such as the migraine headaches, cause photo-sensitivity and nausea, making it impossible to work or function. The most serious headaches are headaches caused by medical conditions such as strokes, aneurysms, and tumors. While strokes can be seen right away for what they are and aneurysms can be immediately fatal, the tumor headache can continue for long periods of time before diagnosing and are difficult to treat.



A tumor headache is caused by a tumor, or growth, in the brain that places pressure on the brain. This form of a headache may not be a constant headache, although it may present itself as such. The headache may be coupled with additional symptoms that may direct a doctor or medical professional in a different diagnosis beyond the tumor growth. Such symptoms include nausea, vertigo, lack of appetite or loss of energy. The body may begin to waste and the person's blood pressure may fluctuate drastically due to the tumor's growth into vital areas of the brain.

Diagnosing a tumor headache is a matter of testing. The medical professional will request a full blood work analysis, urine analysis, CAT or MRI scans and a brain scan. All of these tests are designed to find abnormalities that may indicate what is causing the headaches. Once a diagnosis is made, the tests can then predict the length of time the tumor has been present and what the tumor can be expected to do. If the tumor is slow growing, the chances of a successful treatment are higher than if the tumor is a fast growing tumor. The tests can also determine if any treatment is possible or if the condition is considered terminal. A biopsy of the tumor itself will be needed to determine if it is a form of brain cancer.