Don't miss the signs: Doctors warn of brain tumor surge among children
A growing number of children and young adults are being diagnosed with brain tumors, a condition once thought to largely affect the elderly.In recent years, doctors across India are witnessing a disturbing trend: more cases of brain tumors being detected among children and individuals in their 20s and 30s, many of which are being diagnosed too late for optimal treatment.advertisementWhile most cases cannot be pinpointed, doctors say increasing awareness, timely medical intervention, and parental vigilance can reduce this alarming trend.
"Although brain tumors are more common in adults, even younger kids can be affected by this condition. According to the National Brain Tumor Society, approximately 5.7% of all primary brain tumors occur in children and adolescents aged 0-19 years. These tumors may be benign or malignant, but either way, timely medical care is vital," says Dr. Anurag Saxena, neurosurgeon at Manipal Hospital.The symptoms of brain tumors in children can often mimic more common conditions, leading to delays in diagnosis.Dr. Saxena explains that in infants, abnormal skull growth may be an early sign, while older children may show symptoms like seizures, excessive crying, unresponsiveness, or vision issues.For teenagers, persistent headaches, dizziness, vomiting, or coordination problems can indicate the presence of a tumor.advertisementEarly diagnosis is especially critical in children, as their developing brains are more vulnerable to damage. Diagnostic imaging such as MRI or CT scans remains the cornerstone of identifying these tumors.'Sometimes, benign tumors can be removed completely through surgery. But to avoid long-term damage, it's essential to catch these conditions early,' added Dr. Saxena.The pattern is not restricted to children alone. An increasing number of young adults, especially those aged 20 to 40, are also being diagnosed with brain tumors, a shift that medical experts are calling "alarming.""Brain tumors have historically been viewed as a problem primarily affecting older adults,' says Dr. Varindera Paul Singh, neurosurgeon at Medanta. 'However, data and clinical evidence now indicate an alarming increase in brain tumors among individuals aged 20 to 40. This shift calls for a renewed approach to brain health awareness within the younger population.'Dr. Singh points out that while improved imaging technologies like MRI have led to better detection rates, they alone cannot explain the rising numbers.Environmental factors, lifestyle-related stress, and genetic predispositions are also believed to contribute, although more research is needed to confirm this.A key challenge, he says, is that symptoms in younger adults, such as fatigue, nausea, or mild behavioural changes, are often brushed off as stress or lifestyle-related.advertisement"Because these changes are often subtle, many young patients ignore their symptoms altogether, allowing tumors to grow unnoticed. It is crucial to educate both the public and primary care providers that brain tumors can occur at any age," says Dr. Singh.In children, too, the signs can be subtle, but should never be overlooked. Dr. Shiji Chalipat, pediatric neurologist at Ankura Hospital for Women and Children, highlights that immediate medical attention can be lifesaving.'Parents need to be proactive when it comes to their child's health. Just like adults, brain tumors are a common occurrence in children. Unfortunately, these tumors are linked to high morbidity and mortality, making early diagnosis and treatment crucial for improving quality of life," she says.Dr. Chalipat has outlined several red flags for parents to look out for:advertisementVomiting and Headaches: Persistent vomiting, especially in the morning or when coupled with headaches, could signal increased pressure inside the skull.Sensory Impairments: Difficulty with vision, hearing, or speech may indicate tumor growth depending on its location.Balance and Coordination Issues: Tumors affecting the brainstem may result in imbalance or trouble walking.Behavioural Changes: Sudden mood swings, irritability, or withdrawal should not be dismissed as mere tantrums.Seizures: Especially if they are new or unexplained, seizures are a strong warning sign and require urgent evaluation.Treatment plans often include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation depending on the tumor's size, location, and type.'Parents play a critical role in recognising and responding to these warning signs,' advises Dr. Chalipat. 'With prompt action, we can ensure children receive the right medical and surgical care, and the best possible chance at recovery.'The growing prevalence of brain tumors in both children and young adults is a sobering reminder of the need to stay vigilant. Whether it's a toddler showing signs of imbalance or a young professional battling persistent headaches, the message from doctors is clear: don't ignore the signs.Early diagnosis can be the difference between life and death or between lasting damage and full recovery.Trending Reel
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
7 hours ago
- The Hindu
When seizures take over your life – the story of a 12-year-old boy battling multiple seizures
A 12-year-old boy from Yemen, named Yusuf, was suffering from multiple seizures every single day for a very long time. He was placed on 7 to 8 anti-epileptic medicines and was unable to walk, go to school, and even do simple tasks without help. His childhood was slowly slipping away, not just to a disease, but to the fear and helplessness that comes with it. An MRI scan done in his country showed a lesion on left side of brain, which had been previously ignored as a scar. Further investigations were conducted, including a battery of tests like video EEG, special MRIs including functional MRI, and interictal PET scans, after which it was found that the lesion in his brain was actually a tumour, and his seizures were originating from it. A precise yet gentle procedure known as a craniectomy with neuro-navigation guided microscopic tumour removal was performed — not just to remove the tumour, but to give Yusuf a chance at a normal, seizure-free life. Biopsy of the tumour tissue showed that the lesion on the left side of the brain was in fact a Dysembryoplastic Neuroepithelial Tumor (DNET), a rare, benign brain tumour commonly associated with drug-resistant epilepsy in children. Only three weeks post-operation, Yusuf had eliminated seizures. With full restoration of physical abilities, he was able to walk, run, and return to school, allowing him to fully embrace the joys of childhood without fear. A seizure is one of the most terrifying experiences one may have It starts with subtle neurological signs of sudden blackouts, a strange twitching while watching TV, or a moment of lost time during your morning commute. For many, these instances are ignored, thinking of as stress or dehydration, but these can be the early signs of seizures. Seizures are among the most common neurological symptoms, which relate to epilepsy, a chronic disorder that involves abnormal brain activity that results in recurrent seizures. However, not every seizure is caused by epilepsy. When this frequently occurs, it may be a sign of a brain tumour. Brain tumour is an abnormal growth of tissue within the brain and Central Nervous System (CNS) that can disrupt the normal functioning of the brain. These tumours can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). They may originate in the brain itself or spread from other parts of the body. As per the GLOBOCAN 2022, brain tumours in India account for around 2% of all cancer-related cases in India, with new patients crossing the 30,000 mark annually. Children's brain tumours are particularly concerning, with the increase in diagnoses emphasising the importance of awareness and accessibility to specialised treatment needed during the early stage. Recognising the signs Brain tumours can show their symptoms in many ways, depending on their location and growth. Warning signs include persistent morning headaches, frequent nausea, new or worsening seizures, vision or hearing changes, movement difficulties, memory loss, personality shifts, and, in children, delays in milestones like walking. While all symptoms need immediate attention, seizures and sudden behaviour changes should never be ignored. Seizures in epilepsy follow a consistent pattern and are often the only symptom of this condition. Whereas in the case of a brain tumour, seizures are accompanied by a variety of symptoms such as speech difficulties, vision problems, and other cognitive and behavioural alterations. Seizures are usually connected with epilepsy, a chronic disorder characterised by recurring episodes of abnormal brain activity and can signal a brain tumour as well as this triggers the surrounding brain tissue, disrupting normal electrical activity, leading to seizures. Brain tumours can affect anyone however, the impact is most pronounced in children. Even non-cancerous tumours can have a significant impact on the functions of the brain. Children diagnosed with brain tumours often suffer from epilepsy that does not respond to medication, causing intellectual stagnation, impairments in physical abilities, and acquired dependence. Besides the physical dangers posed, seizures are perhaps the most traumatic symptom and necessitate great mental strength from both the child and their loved ones. A unique but significant tumour to be familiar with is the Dysembryoplastic Neuroepithelial Tumor (DNET). This tumour is often associated with medically refractory epilepsy in children, and if left undiagnosed and untreated, it can greatly diminish their quality of life. Safeguarding ourselves and our family members It is important to recognise that many brain tumours develop due to complex genetic and environmental factors beyond our control. While not all brain tumours are preventable, certain lifestyle habits may help reduce the risk. Minimising unnecessary radiation exposure, using a hands-free mobile phone, and avoiding harmful substances such as tobacco can all help. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep, also benefits brain health. Most importantly, being aware of early warning symptoms such as persistent headaches or personality changes and getting instant medical assistance can result in early detection and better outcomes. In the case of unexplained seizure episodes or any other concerning symptoms, consultation with the doctor should be done without any delay, as timely intervention and focused action on the problem can be life changing. (Dr. Anurag Saxena,Cluster Head Delhi NCR – Department of Neurosurgery, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, New Delhi, Email :
India Today
14 hours ago
- India Today
Don't miss the signs: Doctors warn of brain tumor surge among children
A growing number of children and young adults are being diagnosed with brain tumors, a condition once thought to largely affect the recent years, doctors across India are witnessing a disturbing trend: more cases of brain tumors being detected among children and individuals in their 20s and 30s, many of which are being diagnosed too late for optimal most cases cannot be pinpointed, doctors say increasing awareness, timely medical intervention, and parental vigilance can reduce this alarming trend. "Although brain tumors are more common in adults, even younger kids can be affected by this condition. According to the National Brain Tumor Society, approximately 5.7% of all primary brain tumors occur in children and adolescents aged 0-19 years. These tumors may be benign or malignant, but either way, timely medical care is vital," says Dr. Anurag Saxena, neurosurgeon at Manipal symptoms of brain tumors in children can often mimic more common conditions, leading to delays in Saxena explains that in infants, abnormal skull growth may be an early sign, while older children may show symptoms like seizures, excessive crying, unresponsiveness, or vision teenagers, persistent headaches, dizziness, vomiting, or coordination problems can indicate the presence of a diagnosis is especially critical in children, as their developing brains are more vulnerable to damage. Diagnostic imaging such as MRI or CT scans remains the cornerstone of identifying these tumors.'Sometimes, benign tumors can be removed completely through surgery. But to avoid long-term damage, it's essential to catch these conditions early,' added Dr. pattern is not restricted to children alone. An increasing number of young adults, especially those aged 20 to 40, are also being diagnosed with brain tumors, a shift that medical experts are calling "alarming.""Brain tumors have historically been viewed as a problem primarily affecting older adults,' says Dr. Varindera Paul Singh, neurosurgeon at Medanta. 'However, data and clinical evidence now indicate an alarming increase in brain tumors among individuals aged 20 to 40. This shift calls for a renewed approach to brain health awareness within the younger population.'Dr. Singh points out that while improved imaging technologies like MRI have led to better detection rates, they alone cannot explain the rising factors, lifestyle-related stress, and genetic predispositions are also believed to contribute, although more research is needed to confirm this.A key challenge, he says, is that symptoms in younger adults, such as fatigue, nausea, or mild behavioural changes, are often brushed off as stress or these changes are often subtle, many young patients ignore their symptoms altogether, allowing tumors to grow unnoticed. It is crucial to educate both the public and primary care providers that brain tumors can occur at any age," says Dr. children, too, the signs can be subtle, but should never be overlooked. Dr. Shiji Chalipat, pediatric neurologist at Ankura Hospital for Women and Children, highlights that immediate medical attention can be lifesaving.'Parents need to be proactive when it comes to their child's health. Just like adults, brain tumors are a common occurrence in children. Unfortunately, these tumors are linked to high morbidity and mortality, making early diagnosis and treatment crucial for improving quality of life," she Chalipat has outlined several red flags for parents to look out for:advertisementVomiting and Headaches: Persistent vomiting, especially in the morning or when coupled with headaches, could signal increased pressure inside the Impairments: Difficulty with vision, hearing, or speech may indicate tumor growth depending on its and Coordination Issues: Tumors affecting the brainstem may result in imbalance or trouble Changes: Sudden mood swings, irritability, or withdrawal should not be dismissed as mere Especially if they are new or unexplained, seizures are a strong warning sign and require urgent plans often include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation depending on the tumor's size, location, and type.'Parents play a critical role in recognising and responding to these warning signs,' advises Dr. Chalipat. 'With prompt action, we can ensure children receive the right medical and surgical care, and the best possible chance at recovery.'The growing prevalence of brain tumors in both children and young adults is a sobering reminder of the need to stay vigilant. Whether it's a toddler showing signs of imbalance or a young professional battling persistent headaches, the message from doctors is clear: don't ignore the diagnosis can be the difference between life and death or between lasting damage and full Reel
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Finger movements may hold the secret to Alzheimer's diagnosis, new study reveals
A groundbreaking study has found a possible link between finger movement patterns and brain changes in patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease, which can give rise to a new non-invasive diagnostic method. The research, published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, examines how subtle variations in finger movement, timing, rhythm, and coordination can be indicative of changes in the brain structure characteristic of dementia. This is an important issue given that Alzheimer's, the most common form of dementia, accounts for 60–80% of the total number of cases globally. Why are finger movements significant? The study was carried out by Junpei Sugioka and some neurologists and neuroscientists from Japan. They used a voxel-based analysis technique called VSRAD (Voxel-based Specific Regional Analysis System for Alzheimer's Disease) to compare brain atrophy patterns among patients with Alzheimer's disease. The software helps in detecting changes in a few regions of the brain, largely the medial temporal region, which is critical for cognition and memory. By correlating measures of finger movement with brain scans, the scientists discovered dramatic correlations between motor control dysfunction and brain volume loss in patients. That is, worsening fine motor skills—too commonly overlooked—may offer early biomarkers of neurodegeneration. Implications for early detection "Our results suggest that testing of motor function, and particularly finger movement analysis, could become a viable screening test for cognitive impairment," the authors wrote. This is especially significant in rural or low-resource settings, where access to expensive MRI scans and neurological tests might be limited. Finger-tapping tests, possibly integrated into mobile health software, could be scalable alternatives. Further, screening with such could be done as a regular checkup for older persons. The wider context Aging remains the biggest risk for dementia. As the world's population ages, early diagnostic technologies that are low-cost become increasingly important. Technologies like VSRAD and motor assessment with non-invasive devices may lead the way to community-level screening, allowing earlier treatment and improved outcomes for the patient. They recommend additional longitudinal and cross-validated research in various populations. If true, these results have the potential to transform clinicians' screening for Alzheimer's, redirecting attention away from memory tests alone and toward subtle physical signs that can be observed years before cognitive symptoms develop fully. Is this a more general problem? This study's findings reveal not just a new diagnostic pathway but also signal the possibility of a greater and underestimated issue: systemic neglect of motor function as an early indication of neurological decline. In practice, cognitive symptoms like confusion or memory impairment are traditionally always given first attention, with physical signs like decelerated finger movement or small coordination issues being generally demoted to insignificance or irrelevance. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
