The Great Gatsby: Pain in a Region without Pain Receptors: The Headache

INTRODUCTION:

Because the brain has no pain receptors, brain tumors themselves do not cause headache pain. Headaches are actually the result of pressure caused by the tumor and/or tumor-related fluid buildup on pain-sensitive blood vessels and nerves within the brain. Headache is one of the most common symptoms experienced by patients with brain tumors. There are many causes and types of headaches. Some of the most common traits of headaches that patients with brain tumors experience are; steady pain that is worse upon waking in the morning and gets better within a few hours; persistent, non-migraine headache; may be accompanied by vomiting ;may or may not be throbbing, depending on the location of the tumor. (A)

 

 

It may also worsen with coughing, exercise, or a change in body position; does not usually respond to the usual headache remedies; may be associated with new neurological problems. About 50 percent of brain tumor patients experience headaches related to their tumor. Because the brain has no pain receptors, brain tumors themselves do not cause headache pain. Headaches are actually the result of pressure caused by the tumor and/or tumor-related fluid buildup on pain-sensitive blood vessels and nerves within the brain.(A)

Benign brain tumors usually have clearly defined borders and usually are not deeply rooted in brain tissue. This makes them easier to surgically remove, assuming they are in an area of the brain that can be safely operated on. But even after they've been removed, they can still come back, although benign tumors are less likely to recur than malignant ones. Although benign tumors in other parts of the body can cause problems, they are not generally considered to be a major health problem or to be life-threatening. But even a benign brain tumor can be a serious health problem. Brain tumors damage the cells around them by causing inflammation and putting increased pressure on the tissue under and around it as well as inside the skull.(A)

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The most common age range for brain tumors in adults is 40 to 60 years old.Tumors that start in the brain (primary brain tumors) are far less common than tumors that spread to the brain from other areas (metastatic brain tumors). Some brain tumors do not cause headaches at all, since the brain itself isn’t capable of sensing pain. Only when a tumor is large enough to press on nerves or vessels do they cause headache. So if a headache is your main complaint and the pattern is staying fairly consistent, chances are you have one of many conditions including migraines, tension headache, cluster headache, or others. These headaches can be fiercely painful and disruptive but not life-threatening.(B)

 

 Symptoms of brain tumors vary according to the type of tumor and the location. Because different areas of the brain control different functions of the body, where the tumor lies affects the way symptoms are manifested. Some tumors have no symptoms until they are quite large and then cause a serious, rapid decline in health. Other tumors may have symptoms that develop slowly. A common initial symptom of a brain tumor is headaches. They do not respond to the usual headache remedies. Most headaches are unrelated to brain tumors. Symptoms also include:Changes in speech or hearing, Seizures, Changes in vision, Balance problems, Problems with walking, Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs, Problems with memory, Personality changes, Inability to concentrate, weakness in one part of the body.(B)

In order to diagnose a brain tumor, the doctor starts by asking questions about your symptoms and taking a personal and family health history. Then he or she performs a physical exam, including a neurological exam. If there's reason to suspect a brain tumor, the doctor may request one or more of the following tests: Imaging studies such as a CT(CAT) scan, MRI to see detailed images of the brain, angiogram or MRA that involve the use of dye and X-rays  of blood vessels in the brain to look for signs of a tumor or abnormalities in the blood vessels. The doctor may also ask for a biopsy to determine whether or not the tumor is cancer. A tissue sample is removed from the brain either during surgery to remove the tumor or with a needle inserted through a small hole drilled into the skull before treatment is started. The sample is then sent to a lab for testing. (A)

TREATMENT:

Surgery to remove the tumor is typically the first option once a brain tumor has been diagnosed. However, some tumors can't be surgically removed because of their location in the brain. In those cases, chemotherapy, and radiation are both options for killing and shrinking the tumor. Sometimes, chemotherapy or radiation is also used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. Tumors that are deep in the brain or in areas that are difficult reach may be treated with Gamma Knife therapy, which is a form of highly focused radiation therapy. Because treatment for cancer also can damage healthy tissue, it's important to discuss possible side and long-term effects of whatever treatment is being used with your doctor. (A)

The doctor can explain the risk and the possibility of losing certain faculties. The doctor can also explain the importance of planning for rehabilitation following treatment. Rehabilitation could involve working with several different therapists, such as; Physical therapist to regain strength and balance;Speech therapist to address problems with speaking, expressing thoughts, or swallowing; Occupational therapist to help manage daily activities such as using the bathroom, bathing, and dressing. A bad headache can be scary. It’s hard not to think the worst if you’re unlucky enough to suffer with severe headaches. If the pain lasts or recurs, you may wonder if you have a serious problem such as a brain tumor.(A)

 

CONCLUSION:

Here’s the reassuring truth: Headache, by itself, is rarely caused by a tumor. The chance that your headache is a sign of a brain tumor is very remote. Headaches are a common occurrence among the general population where the majority of headaches have no relation to cancer. Something you should pay attention to is, however, if you are experiencing a new headache or pattern changes or even becomes more frequent. This is when you should ask your doctor about it. Some red flags include

any recent neurological signs such as seizures, nausea, and vomiting that can signal a serious condition. Other red flags include: Numbness,Swelling of the eye or vision problems, Weakness or paralysis, especially on one side of the body,Speech impairment, Personality change.

Links:

(A) http://www.abta.org/brain-tumor-information/symptoms/headaches.html

(B)http://www.webmd.com/cancer/brain-cancer/brain-tumors-in-adults?page=2

*Please note! These images are not mine. They were found on various tumblr sites! If any are yours please let me know so that I can give you credit for them! Also the people in the images have no relation to the diseases, illnesses, or cancers I write about. Thanks so much & enjoy~ 
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