The majority of headaches are not worrisome, and while headaches can be especially burdensome (particularly a migraine or cluster headache), they usually go away eventually with time and/or medication. Show The headache of a brain tumor, however, does not go away. It's constant (or becomes increasingly frequent) even when you are sleeping. It can also be accompanied by other alarming signs, like seizures and/or fainting. That being said, headache is sometimes the only symptom of a brain tumor. 5m3photos / Getty ImagesAbout Brain TumorsA brain tumor is a group of abnormal cells that form a mass. Some are benign and noncancerous, while others are malignant. As these cells grow, the tumor can press on blood vessels in the brain or the brain itself, causing a headache and other neurological symptoms. For about half of all brain tumor patients, headache is the worst symptom. This type of headache is typically dull, persistent, and worsens with the Valsalva maneuver (like when coughing or bearing down during a bowel movement). The headache often occurs or is worse on the same side as the tumor, but may also be generalized. This tends to happen due to increased intracranial pressure (ICP) or hydrocephalus—excessive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain. CSF is the normal fluid that surrounds and cushions your brain and spinal cord. If a tumor obstructs the normal flow of this fluid, it causes a buildup, creating lots of pressure. As you can imagine, this pressure may cause various symptoms including pain, vomiting, seizures, and papilledema—a sign that healthcare providers can see when performing an eye exam. A headache from increased ICP or hydrocephalus is diffuse and non-throbbing (more dull and does not feel like a migraine) and is associated with one or more of the following features:
A brain tumor that causes hydrocephalus and an accompanying headache will be seen on a CT or MRI of the brain. Surgical removal of the entire tumor or part of the tumor will allow the fluid buildup to decrease (it now has a place to go), and this should alleviate a hydrocephalus-induced headache. SymptomsIt's important to note that a brain tumor can cause an array of symptoms besides a headache, including:
DiagnosisIf you are experiencing symptoms of a brain tumor headache, see a neurologist who will perform diagnostic tests, including:
Other CausesHeadaches come in many shapes and sizes and vary in degrees from mild annoyance to crippling pain. If headaches are affecting your daily life, see your healthcare provider. Other serious causes of headaches that are not associated with brain tumor include:
A Word from VerywellMost headaches are not brain tumors. But a persistent headache or one that follows a different pattern from your typical headache is a sign that you need to speak with your healthcare provider. On occasion, a headache from a brain tumor can cause a sudden, explosive "thunderclap headache," which may even lead to a loss of consciousness—this requires emergency medical attention. Remember too, not all brain tumors even cause headaches. Other symptoms, like behavior changes or muscle weakness, might be the only clue. If you have any concerns, please speak with your healthcare provider. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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Colleen Doherty, MD Thanks for your feedback! Where are brain tumor headaches felt?These headaches may cause pain all over or pain that's worse on one side of the head. How long a brain tumor headache will last also varies from a few hours to a few days, but a consistent headache requires medical attention. So does neck pain, which is more often associated with spinal tumors.
How long does a brain tumor headache last?They tend to occur on one side of the head and can pass quickly or last for hours.
Can brain Mets cause headaches?Brain metastases may form one tumor or many tumors in the brain. As the metastatic brain tumors grow, they create pressure on and change the function of surrounding brain tissue. This causes signs and symptoms, such as headache, personality changes, memory loss and seizures.
How can you tell the difference between a brain tumor and a headache?However, brain tumors cause a specific type of headache that is different than migraine or tension-type headaches. Headaches due to a brain tumor have the following characteristics: unusually severe or persistent, especially in people with no history of severe or chronic headaches. more painful or intense in the ...
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