Latest news with #WorldBrainTumorDay
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
Stress and brain tumors: Separating fact from fiction
As we observe World Brain Tumor Day on June 8th, one of the most persistent misconceptions that needs addressing is the belief that stress directly causes brain tumors. While this myth continues to circulate, medical evidence tells a different story, one that's both more complex and more reassuring than many people realize. Myth Vs Reality: There is no established direct link between stress and the development of brain tumors. Brain tumors primarily develop due to genetic abnormalities—dormant irregularities in our cellular makeup that may remain inactive for years or even decades. These genetic factors, not our daily stressors, are the primary culprits behind tumor development. However, dismissing stress entirely would be an oversimplification. The relationship between stress and brain health operates on multiple levels, creating indirect pathways that can influence neurological outcomes. Understanding Oxidative Stress : The Cellular Connection While everyday stress doesn't create tumors, there exists a deeper, cellular-level phenomenon called oxidative stress that plays a more significant role. As our brain, the body's most energy-demanding organ, constantly metabolizes glucose and oxygen, it generates reactive molecules that can damage cellular structures including mitochondria and the cell nucleus. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo This oxidative damage can potentially activate passive genetic abnormalities, transforming them from harmless variants into active tumor-causing genes. Here oxidative stress acts like a key that unlocks genetic predispositions that might otherwise remain dormant throughout a person's lifetime. Interestingly, there has been an increasing trend of brain tumors in younger populations, particularly among high-stress professionals in their 30s and 40s. It raises questions about whether intense mental activity and chronic stress might accelerate the oxidative processes that awaken dormant genetic abnormalities. How Stress Impacts Neurological Health Indirectly Chronic stress primarily affects vascular health, increasing blood pressure and creating turbulent blood flow throughout the body, including the brain. This can lead to strokes, heart attacks, and hypertension. Stress also triggers increased glucose production, potentially contributing to diabetes—all conditions that can complicate neurological health and treatment outcomes. More critically, stress can delay diagnosis and worsen treatment outcomes. When people are overwhelmed by daily stressors, they may dismiss early neurological symptoms as stress-related, postponing crucial medical evaluation. Additionally, chronic stress weakens the immune system and impairs the body's natural repair mechanisms, potentially affecting treatment response and recovery. Prevention: Building Resilience Against Cellular Damage While we cannot eliminate genetic predispositions, we can reduce oxidative stress and support overall brain health through lifestyle modifications: Mental Wellness: Incorporating daily meditation and stress-reduction techniques can significantly decrease oxidative stress in brain cells. Corporate environments should consider integrating mindfulness practices into daily routines. Quality Sleep: Seven to eight hours of restorative sleep allows the brain to repair cellular damage and clear metabolic waste products. Proper Hydration: Adequate water intake supports cellular function and helps flush toxins from the brain and body. Regular Exercise: Physical activity promotes toxin elimination and enhances overall cellular health throughout the body, including the brain. Purposeful Living: Having daily goals and long-term purpose—concepts explored in books like "Ikigai"—naturally promotes positive hormonal balance and mental focus, reducing chronic stress responses. Nutritional Support: A balanced diet rich in colorful vegetables and fruits provides antioxidants that combat oxidative damage at the cellular level. Understanding that stress doesn't directly cause brain tumors should provide reassurance to those worried about their daily pressures. However, this knowledge shouldn't diminish the importance of stress management for overall neurological health. The key lies not in eliminating stress but in managing it effectively while maintaining the healthy practices that support our neurological wellbeing for years to come. Authored by: Dr. Krishna Chaintanya, Consultant - Neurosurgery (Brain&Spine), Apollo Hospitals, Jayanagar One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
India.com
a day ago
- Health
- India.com
World Brain Tumour Day 2025: Early Diagnosis And Awareness Key To Brain Health For All Ages
Every year, June 8th is observed as World Brain Tumour Day, a global initiative to raise awareness about brain tumours, their symptoms, treatment, and the importance of early detection. The theme for 2025, "Brain Health for All Ages," underscores the need for vigilant brain care across all demographics—children, adults, and the elderly alike. Dr. V. Bramha Prasad, Consultant Neuro Surgeon, Apollo Hospitals, Secunderabad shares early diagnosis and awareness key to brain health for all ages on this World Brain Tumor Day 2025. What is a Brain Tumour? A brain tumour is an abnormal mass of tissue where cells grow uncontrollably, disrupting normal brain function. Unlike healthy cells that follow the body's biological rules, tumour cells grow unchecked, compressing or invading brain structures. This growth within the rigid confines of the skull can elevate intracranial pressure, shift brain structures, or damage nerves and tissues. Tumours may remain within the central nervous system (CNS)—comprising the brain and spinal cord—and rarely spread elsewhere. Brain tumours are classified as primary (originating in the brain) or metastatic (spread from another part of the body). Primary tumours may be glial (gliomas) or nonglial (arising from brain structures like nerves and blood vessels). Metastatic tumours, which are more common, often result from cancers of the lungs, breast, or other organs. Recognizing the Symptoms Early symptoms can mimic other medical conditions, making diagnosis difficult. In adults, common signs include: Persistent headaches, worse in the morning Seizures or convulsions Nausea or vomiting Speech or cognitive difficulties Personality changes Weakness or paralysis on one side Vision disturbances and memory loss In children, symptoms may present differently and subtly, such as: Morning vomiting without nausea Balance or coordination issues Increasing head size in infants Vision problems, unexplained irritability, or drowsiness If any of these symptoms persist or worsen over time, consulting a doctor is crucial for accurate diagnosis. Malignant vs. Benign Tumours While not all brain tumours are cancerous, they can be life-threatening due to their location. Malignant tumours (e.g., glioblastomas) grow aggressively and infiltrate surrounding tissue. Benign tumours, though slower-growing, may still pose serious risks if located near critical brain structures. Brain tumours are graded using the World Health Organization (WHO) classification system, which helps predict tumour behavior and guides treatment decisions. It's worth noting that even benign tumours may evolve into malignant forms, and both types can recur after treatment. Diagnosis and Treatment Diagnosis typically involves: Neurological examinations Imaging (MRI or CT scans) Biopsy for tumour typing Treatment is often multidisciplinary, involving neurosurgeons, oncologists, and radiologists. Approaches may include: Surgery – to remove or reduce tumour size – to remove or reduce tumour size Radiation therapy – to destroy remaining tumour cells to destroy remaining tumour cells Chemotherapy – for aggressive or inoperable tumours Treatment plans vary depending on the tumour's type, location, and the patient's age and overall health. Some tumours enter remission, where they stop growing. However, recurrent tumours may develop, requiring continuous follow-up and imaging.
