Brain Tumours: Causes, Symptoms, and How Modern Medicine Can Help

By Dr. Amitabha Das | Consultant Neurosurgeon & Minimally Invasive Spine Surgeon, Kolkata

---

Introduction

A brain tumour is a growth of abnormal cells in or near the brain. These tumours can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous)—but even benign tumours can cause serious problems by putting pressure on the delicate brain tissue.

While brain tumours are relatively rare, they can affect people of any age. This article will help you understand the causes, risk factors, warning signs, diagnostic process, and the latest treatment options that offer hope and better outcomes.

---

What Causes Brain Tumours?

The exact cause of most brain tumours is still unknown. Many occur due to genetic mutations in brain cells that cause them to grow uncontrollably.

Risk Factors:

✅ Radiation exposure (from previous cancer treatments)
✅ Family history of rare genetic disorders like neurofibromatosis
✅ Age: Certain tumours are more common in children, others in older adults
✅ Environmental factors: Some chemicals are being studied but no strong link is confirmed

💡 Important: In most cases, there’s no identifiable cause—it’s not your fault.

---

Types of Brain Tumours

Brain tumours can be:

• Benign: Usually grow slowly and don’t spread.

• Malignant: Can grow rapidly and invade nearby brain tissue.

Common Types:

• Meningiomas: Often benign, arise from the brain’s protective layers.

• Gliomas: Includes astrocytomas and glioblastomas; may grow aggressively.

• Pituitary Tumours: Usually benign, but can affect hormone levels.

• Medulloblastomas: More common in children.

Each tumour type requires a personalized treatment plan.

---

Warning Signs: Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

The brain controls everything—from movement to memory. A growing tumour can press on important areas and cause a variety of symptoms.

Key Symptoms:

• Headaches
  🔸 Often worse in the morning or when coughing, bending, or straining

• Seizures
  🔸 Sudden jerking, confusion, or loss of consciousness

• Vision or Hearing Changes
  🔸 Blurred vision, double vision, hearing loss, or ringing in the ears

• Weakness or Numbness
  🔸 Difficulty moving limbs, tingling, or loss of sensation

• Balance and Coordination Problems

• Memory or Personality Changes

• Speech or Understanding Difficulties

⚠️ These symptoms can have other causes—but if they are new, persistent, or worsening, consult a doctor urgently.

---

When to See a Neurosurgeon

If you experience:

• Severe or new headaches

• Seizures

• Sudden vision, hearing, or balance problems

• Weakness or numbness in any part of the body

• Changes in thinking, memory, mood, or personality

👉 It’s time to see a neurosurgeon—a specialist trained in treating brain and spine conditions.

A neurosurgeon will:
✅ Perform a neurological exam
✅ Order brain imaging (MRI/CT scans)
✅ Discuss your treatment options
✅ Plan surgery if needed
✅ Coordinate care with a multidisciplinary team (neurologists, oncologists, rehab specialists)

Early consultation improves your chances of a successful outcome.

---

How Brain Tumours Are Diagnosed

Diagnostic Steps:

• Medical History and Physical Exam: Focused neurological assessment

• MRI Scan: Gold standard for detecting brain tumours

• CT Scan: Useful in emergencies

• Biopsy: Confirms the tumour type and guides treatment

---

Modern Treatment Options

Brain tumour care has advanced significantly in recent years.

1. Surgery

Whenever possible, maximal safe resection (removing as much tumour as safely possible) is the goal.

Modern Techniques:

• AI-enabled neuromicroscopes

• Neuronavigation for precise tumour targeting

• Fluorescent dyes for tumour visibility

• Neuro-robotics and augmented reality for enhanced precision

• Keyhole and endoscopic surgeries for faster recovery

---

2. Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) & Gamma Knife Radiosurgery (GKRS)

• No cutting involved: Uses focused radiation beams

• Ideal for:
  ✅ Small tumours
  ✅ Tumours in hard-to-reach or sensitive areas
  ✅ Some benign tumours like meningiomas and acoustic neuromas

• Outpatient procedure: Fast recovery with minimal side effects

---

3. Radiation Therapy

• External Beam Radiation: Daily sessions over several weeks

• SRS & GKRS: Highly focused radiation in one or few sessions

Often used after surgery or when surgery isn’t possible.

---

4. Chemotherapy & Targeted Therapy

• Chemotherapy: Kills or slows tumour growth

• Targeted Therapy: Attacks specific cancer cell mutations with fewer side effects

• Immunotherapy: A promising new area under active research

---

5. Tumour-Treating Fields (TTF)

• A wearable cap delivers mild electrical fields that disrupt cancer cell division

• Used mainly for glioblastomas

• Can be combined with chemotherapy

---

Prognosis: What to Expect

Your outlook depends on:
✔ Tumour type (benign vs malignant)
✔ Tumour size and location
✔ Your age and overall health

Benign tumours like meningiomas can often be completely removed.
Malignant tumours like glioblastomas are challenging but modern treatments are improving survival and quality of life.

---

Rehabilitation: The Path to Recovery

Brain tumour treatment doesn’t end with surgery.

Rehabilitation Services:

✅ Physical Therapy: To regain strength, balance, and coordination
✅ Speech Therapy: To address language and communication issues
✅ Occupational Therapy: To assist with daily activities
✅ Psychological Support: For emotional well-being

💡 Rehabilitation starts in the hospital and often continues at home or in outpatient programs.

---

A Message of Hope

Being diagnosed with a brain tumour is life-changing—but it is not the end.

✔ Many brain tumours are treatable
✔ Early diagnosis offers the best chance for recovery
✔ Modern neurosurgery and advanced therapies are saving lives
✔ Rehabilitation helps patients return to meaningful, independent lives

If you or a loved one experiences unexplained headaches, seizures, or neurological changes, seek medical attention promptly.

---

Final Words

Your brain is what makes you uniquely you. Protect it. Stay informed. Seek help early.

As a neurosurgeon, my goal is to offer precise, compassionate, and cutting-edge care at every step of your journey—from diagnosis to recovery.

Stay hopeful. Stay strong. You are never alone in this journey.

---

About Dr. Amitabha Das

Dr. Amitabha Das is a Consultant Neurosurgeon and Minimally Invasive Spine Surgeon based in Kolkata. With over a decade of experience, Dr. Das specializes in the surgical and non-surgical management of brain tumours, spine disorders, and complex neurotrauma. He is dedicated to offering patient-centered, evidence-based care using the most advanced techniques available.