Early Warning Signs of a Brain Tumour & When to See a Neurosurgeon

What is a Brain Tumour?

A brain tumour is an abnormal growth or mass of cells in the brain. It can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Only around one-third of the brain tumours are cancerous, meaning abnormal cells grow and spread very quickly.

Together, spinal tumours and brain tumours are known as central nervous system (CNS) tumours.

Read Also: How Much Does Brain Tumor Surgery Cost In India?

Types of Brain Tumours

They are broadly classified into 2 main types:

1. Glial Tumours (gliomas): They originate from supportive glial cells in the brain.
2. Non-Glial Tumours: They arise from other brain parts, such as nerves, blood vessels, and glands.

Other Types Include

1. Benign (slow-growing, less harmful)
2. Malignant (fast-growing, cancerous)

Read Also: Understanding Different Types of Brain Cancer

Brain Tumour Symptoms: Indicating to See a Neurosurgeon

Here are the common brain tumour symptoms that may indicate you need to consult the best neurosurgeon, like those in the IBS hospital.

1. Headaches (More Severe in the Morning or Wake You up at Night)

This can happen from a tumour pressing on brain tissues or raising pressure inside the skull.

2. Nausea and vomiting

There can be unnecessary pressure that may affect the brain’s control center of vomiting.

3. Seizures

Tumour irritation can interfere with brain electrical signals, leading to sudden jerking or loss of consciousness.

4. Weakness or Paralysis in One Part or One Side of Your Body

A tumour can put pressure on and affect nerves controlling movement or sensation, leading to one-sided or one-body-part weakness.

5. Vision or Speech Issues

A tumour can develop near visual or speech areas, disturbing normal functions like speech and vision.

6. emory or Confusion

Tumours can interfere with the functioning of parts of the brain involved in thinking and memory, causing forgetfulness or confusion.

7. Personality Changes

A tumour may impact emotional centers (limbic system), contributing to unusual behavior or mood.

8. Balance Problems

The tumour can put pressure on brain regions (like the cerebellum) controlling movement and balance.

9. Fatigue or Drowsiness

Pressure on the brain due to a tumour can impair function, causing unusual tiredness and sleepiness.

Note: These symptoms can be the signal for other health conditions. Hence, always consult a healthcare professional for the right diagnosis.

How to Diagnose a Brain Tumour 

Here are some diagnostic methods that your doctor can order:

1. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI Scan)

This uses magnets and radio waves to form detailed brain images.

2. Computed tomography (CT Scan)

This uses X-rays for a quick, cross-sectional image of the brain.

3. Positron Emission Tomography (PET Scan)

It detects radioactive tracers and shows activity levels in brain tissues.

4. Biopsy

A small brain tissue sample is taken to evaluate for cancer cells under a microscope.

5. Neurological Examination

Tests vision, hearing, reflexes, and coordination to evaluate issues related to brain function.

6. Brain Angiogram

Involves the administration of dye and uses X-rays to check how blood flows in the brain vessels.

7. Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS)

Measures changes in chemicals in brain tissue to detect the type of tumour.

8. Functional MRI (fMRI)

Maps active brain regions associated with movement, speech, and senses to curate personalized treatment.

Management and Treatment

Neurosurgeons at leading brain tumour hospitals in Delhi, such as IBS, can treat or manage brain tumours based on several factors like: 

1. The tumour’s location, size, and type
2. The number of tumours
3. Age and other individual factors
4. Overall general health

The treatment may include:

1. Brain surgery (craniotomy)
2. Radiation therapy
3. Radiosurgery
4. Brachytherapy
5. Chemotherapy
6. Immunotherapy
7. Targeted therapy
8. Watchful waiting/active surveillance

Your doctor can recommend other treatments that help with symptoms of brain tumours, such as:

1. Shunts
2. Drugs such as mannitol and corticosteroids
3. Palliative care

Brain Tumour Treatment Cost in India

The cost of brain tumour treatment in India depends on various factors, such as:

1. Type of treatment
2. Type, size, and location of the tumour
3. Hospital
4. City
5. Surgeon’s experience and expertise
6. Diagnostic and imaging tests
7. Pre-surgery tests
8. Length of hospital stay
9. Medicines
10. Anesthesia
11. Postoperative Care
12. Rehabilitation
13. Insurance Coverage

The Cost Range:

• Surgery: INR 1.5 lakhs to INR 7.5 lakhs.
• Radiation therapy: INR 1.5 lakhs to INR 3.5 lakhs.
• Chemotherapy: Upto INR 5 lakhs.
• Immunotherapy and targeted therapy (newer treatments): INR 6 lakhs to INR 15 lakhs.

Conclusion

There is no proven way to prevent brain tumours. However, you can support brain health by adopting the following lifestyle tips

1. Eating a plant-based diet
2. Getting adequate sleep (7 to 9 hours of quality sleep each night)
3. Managing unnecessary stress
4. Staying active
5. Minimizing radiation exposure
6. Avoiding harmful substances (like pesticides, industrial chemicals, and other pollutants)

Brain Tumours Hospital, Delhi | IBS Hospital

Many people prefer IBS Hospital Delhi for our following qualities:

1. Expert neurosurgeons like Dr. Dewaker Sharma and neurologists like Dr. Sanjay Kumar Choudhary.
2. Equipped with advanced diagnostic tools.
3. Offer microsurgical and minimally invasive brain tumour surgeries.
4. Provide personalized treatment plans
5. Backed by a multidisciplinary team and support for national and international patients
6. Offer advanced neurorehabilitation services
7. Positive patient feedback

Contact us:

• Phone number: 011-4084-6835
• Email: ip@ibshospitals.com
• Address: 73 Ring Road, Lajpat Nagar 3, Delhi - 110024, India

By -Dr Aaksha Shukla | November 28, 2025 | 9 Min Read