Domande Frequenti

No. A significant proportion of tumors are benign, meaning they grow slowly and do not spread into surrounding tissue. Benign and malignant tumors follow very different courses; only imaging and, when needed, tissue examination can determine the type. The word 'tumor' alone does not mean 'cancer'.

The vast majority of headaches are unrelated to brain tumors; tension-type headache and migraine are far more common. Even so, if you have a headache that progressively worsens, is more noticeable in the mornings, comes with nausea-vomiting or vision/balance problems, or is something you have never experienced before, it is sensible to see a physician.

No. Depending on the tumor's type, location and the person's condition, options such as observation, medication, radiotherapy or focused radiation may apply. Some small, asymptomatic tumors can simply be monitored with regular MRI. The decision about which method is appropriate rests with the physician who examines you.

A first-ever seizure, a sudden headache that is the most severe of your life, rapidly developing weakness on one side, disrupted speech, sudden loss of vision or confusion all require emergency assessment. These symptoms can also signal other emergencies such as a stroke; do not delay in reaching the nearest medical facility.

No. The great majority of aneurysms never burst and stay silent for life in most people. The risk of rupture varies with the aneurysm's size, location, growth rate and family history, and a physician makes this assessment. Having an aneurysm does not by itself mean it will burst.

If you have a headache that begins within seconds and is the worst of your life (a feeling that something burst in your head), with neck stiffness, nausea-vomiting, double vision or confusion, call your local emergency number at once and go to the nearest emergency department. This picture may be bleeding from a ruptured aneurysm, and early action saves lives.

No. For many small, low-risk aneurysms the most appropriate approach is regular imaging follow-up. When treatment is needed, options such as a closed method from within the vessel or open surgery exist. The decision about which aneurysm is watched or how it is treated rests with the physician who examines you.

Most aneurysms are not hereditary. However, if close relatives have a history of more than one aneurysm or brain haemorrhage, familial risk may rise somewhat, and screening may then be considered. Whether screening is needed is decided by your physician; if you are worried, consult one.

It is not a death sentence on its own. When diagnosed early and managed appropriately, many people can return to daily life. The course depends on the type and cause of the hydrocephalus, the person's age and how early it is evaluated. A physician who examines you makes this assessment.

No. It depends on the type and the person; in some cases observation (follow-up) may be enough, while in others a system that diverts the excess fluid (a shunt) or, in suitable obstructive types, an endoscopic method may be considered. The decision about which method is appropriate rests with the physician who examines you.

It can be. When difficulty walking, urinary incontinence and forgetfulness appear together in the elderly, the cause can sometimes be a treatable hydrocephalus (normal-pressure hydrocephalus). That is why it is important to consult a physician rather than dismiss it as 'just old age'; the diagnosis and the appropriate approach are determined by the physician.

In infants, an unusually rapid increase in head size, persistent vomiting and excessive drowsiness; at any age, a progressively worsening severe headache, sudden visual disturbance, a marked deterioration in balance or confusion require emergency assessment. Do not delay in reaching the nearest medical facility.

Often, yes. Most people feel markedly better within a few weeks with relative rest, appropriate medication and physiotherapy; many herniations shrink over time or stop causing symptoms. Surgery is considered only for persistent symptoms that do not respond to appropriate care, or for emergency signs. A physician who examines you makes this decision.

No. The great majority of back pain is due to causes other than a herniation (muscle strain, poor posture, etc.). Also, many people who show a herniation on imaging have no symptoms at all. What matters is how well the symptoms match the findings, and a physician assesses this.

Loss of bladder/bowel control, numbness around the perineum and inner thighs, or rapidly progressing severe weakness in both legs require urgent assessment; these may be cauda equina syndrome. Do not delay in reaching the nearest medical facility with back pain plus fever, pain after a serious accident, or a history of cancer either.

No. For most people the most appropriate approach is non-surgical measures such as rest, medication and physiotherapy. Surgery is considered only in selected situations, and the decision about which method is appropriate rests with the physician who examines you.