Top 5 Warning Signs of Brain Tumor

By Dr. Prashant Agarwal, Senior Neurosurgeon

When we think about brain tumors, our minds often jump to dramatic scenes from movies or scary diagnoses we read about online. But in real life, the signs of a brain tumor can be far more subtle—and easy to overlook. As a neurosurgeon who has treated numerous patients, I often see cases where early warning signs were ignored or misunderstood, simply because they didn’t seem serious at first.

In this blog, I want to share the Top 5 Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore when it comes to your brain health. These symptoms don’t always mean you have a brain tumor, but they should never be brushed off—especially if they’re new, persistent, or getting worse.

1. Persistent Headaches That Feel Different

Everyone gets headaches from time to time. Stress, dehydration, lack of sleep—these are common causes. But a headache caused by a brain tumor often feels different:

– It may worsen over time, especially in the early morning.
– It can be accompanied by nausea or vomiting.
– Pain may become more severe with coughing, sneezing, or sudden movements.
– It’s often not relieved by your usual painkillers.

As a neurosurgeon, I always tell my patients: If your headache feels “not like your usual one” and persists beyond a few days, it’s time to get it checked. Your brain might be sending a signal.

2. Sudden Changes in Vision

Another red flag is trouble with your vision. Brain tumors can press against the optic nerve or parts of the brain that control vision. Here’s what to look for:

– Blurred or double vision
– Partial loss of vision
– Seeing flashing lights or floating shapes
– Difficulty focusing on objects

These symptoms are especially concerning if they come on suddenly or gradually worsen. I once treated a patient who thought his blurry vision was just “eye strain from too much screen time.” But an MRI revealed a tumor near his occipital lobe—the brain’s visual center.

3. Unexplained Seizures

Seizures aren’t just something that happen to people with epilepsy. In fact, for many brain tumor patients, their first seizure is the first sign that something is seriously wrong.

What is a seizure?

– It’s a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain.
– It may look like muscle jerking, loss of consciousness, or strange sensations.
– Sometimes, it’s subtle—just a moment of blank staring or confusion.

If you or someone you know has any kind of seizure for the first time, don’t wait. It’s a neurological emergency and should be evaluated immediately. Brain tumors are one of the many possible causes, and early detection can make a huge difference in treatment and outcome.

4. Changes in Personality or Behavior

Our brain controls how we think, feel, and act. So it’s no surprise that a tumor in the frontal lobe (which regulates personality and behavior) can lead to dramatic changes.

Common signs include:

– Increased irritability or aggression
– Depression, anxiety, or mood swings
– Forgetfulness or confusion
– Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

One of my patients, a gentle and soft-spoken teacher, became unusually angry and impulsive over a few months. Her family thought it was stress—but a scan showed a tumor affecting her frontal lobe.

These changes might seem emotional or psychological, but don’t dismiss them. When behavior shifts without a clear reason, the brain could be the source.

5. Loss of Balance or Coordination

Have you ever felt clumsy without explanation? Maybe you’ve tripped more often, dropped things, or struggled with fine motor tasks like writing. A tumor affecting the cerebellum or nearby structures can cause:

– Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
– Poor hand-eye coordination
– Tremors or shaking
– Vertigo (a spinning sensation)

These issues often creep in slowly and are mistakenly blamed on age, fatigue, or even inner ear problems. But if you feel like your body isn’t “listening” to your brain, it could be a sign that something deeper is affecting your motor control.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Let me be clear having one or two of these symptoms doesn’t mean you definitely have a brain tumor. But if the symptoms are:

– New or unusual
– Persistent
– Getting worse
– Interfering with your daily life

…it’s time to talk to a neurologist or neurosurgeon.

We may recommend a neurological exam, MRI, or CT scan to better understand what’s happening inside your brain.

Final Thoughts from Dr. Prashant Agarwal

Early detection of a brain tumor can literally save your life. Many tumors are treatable—especially when caught early. Unfortunately, people often wait too long, hoping the symptoms will go away on their own.

My message is simple: Listen to your brain. Trust your body. Don’t ignore the signs.

If you or someone you love is experiencing any of the symptoms above, don’t hesitate to reach out. A check-up today could prevent a crisis tomorrow.

Take care of your brain—it’s the most powerful organ you have.

🧠 Dr. Prashant Agarwal
Senior Neurosurgeon
(https://drprashantneurosurgeon.com/)
Greater Noida | Expert in Brain & Spine Surgery