Brain tumour symptoms no one should ignore

BRAIN tumours can be extremely cruel and indiscriminate, as former One Direction star Zayn Malik is painfully aware, following the recent tragic loss of his five-year-old cousin, Arshiya.

The youngster, described as a “beautiful princess” by the Malik family, tragically became one of the 5,000-plus people in the UK who lose their lives every year to the condition.

In fact, of the 10,500 or so diagnosed with a primary brain tumour every year in the UK, around 500 will be children and young people.

Research has not yet found what causes brain tumours but, as ever, an early diagnosis is usually the best defence.

The most common brain tumour symptoms are headaches and seizures, particularly headaches that are worse in the morning and when lying down.

However, headaches are extremely common and, most of the time, not a sign of anything sinister, and it’s highly unlikely you’d be diagnosed with a brain tumour if headaches were your only symptom.

If headaches feel different from “normal” headaches, or if they’re severe and throbbing (because of the increasing pressure from the tumour), it’s a good idea to get them checked.

Seizures, or fits, are another common symptom, and around a quarter of people with a brain tumour first visit their doctor because they’ve had a seizure.

Other indications may be changes in senses, including smell, impaired hearing and problems with speech.