Brain tumour
Last updated: 23 Jan. 2026
Reviewed by: Specialist doctors from the Elfcare quality team
Have you been dealing with persistent headaches that feel different from your usual ones? Or perhaps you’ve noticed episodes of dizziness, blurred vision, or moments where your speech or coordination feels off? While these symptoms can have many explanations, they can sometimes be early signs of a brain tumour, a condition where abnormal cells grow inside or around the brain.
Brain tumours can develop slowly or rapidly, and because the brain controls every function in your body, even small changes can have big effects. The encouraging news is that with modern imaging and diagnostic tools, it’s now easier than ever to detect brain abnormalities early before they cause significant symptoms or complications.
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What is a brain tumour?
A brain tumour is an abnormal growth of cells that forms a mass within or around the brain tissue. These tumours can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Benign tumours usually grow slowly and stay in one area, while malignant tumours grow faster and can spread into surrounding brain tissue. Both types can cause symptoms because the brain is enclosed within the skull, there’s limited space for anything extra.
Depending on where it develops, a tumour can affect different functions such as movement, vision, speech, or balance. Even small tumours can have significant effects if they press on critical brain areas.
How brain tumours affect the brain
Your brain is your body’s control centre, responsible for memory, movement, emotions, and vital functions. A tumour, whether benign or malignant, can interfere with these processes by:
Increasing pressure inside the skull (known as intracranial pressure)
Disrupting electrical signals that allow brain cells to communicate
Compressing or invading areas responsible for specific tasks like speech, vision, or balance
This explains why symptoms can vary widely. One person might experience headaches and nausea, while another may notice personality changes, blurred vision, or coordination issues.
Understanding how these growths affect brain function is key. Not every tumour is cancer, but every one deserves timely evaluation.
Symptoms of a brain tumour
Brain tumour symptoms can be subtle at first and often overlap with common issues like migraines, stress, or fatigue. But when certain signs persist or worsen over time, they should never be ignored.
Common brain tumour symptoms include:
Persistent or worsening headaches
Nausea or vomiting (especially in the morning)
Vision changes such as blurred or double vision
Seizures (particularly if you’ve never had one before)
Problems with speech or understanding language
Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
Balance or coordination difficulties
Changes in mood, memory, or concentration
In some cases, brain tumours can also cause hormonal changes if they affect the pituitary gland, leading to fatigue, weight fluctuations, or irregular periods.
Because these symptoms can mimic many other conditions, early testing and imaging are essential for clarity and peace of mind.
What causes brain tumours?
There isn’t one single cause, but several factors can increase the risk of developing a brain tumour. These include:
Genetic factors such as inherited conditions (neurofibromatosis or Li-Fraumeni syndrome)
Previous radiation therapy to the head or neck
Family history of brain tumours
Exposure to certain chemicals or toxins (rare)
Age and gender, as some tumour types are more common in adults or children
For most people, the exact cause remains unknown. Brain tumours are relatively uncommon, but early detection significantly improves outcomes when they do occur.
How brain tumours are detected
Diagnosis typically starts with a neurological examination, followed by imaging tests to look for structural changes in the brain. The most common brain tumour diagnostic tests include:
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): The most sensitive and detailed method for detecting brain tumours and assessing size and location.
CT scan (Computed Tomography): Often used in emergencies to identify masses or bleeding.
Biopsy: If a tumour is found, a small tissue sample may be taken to determine its type and grade.
Blood tests: These can’t diagnose a brain tumour directly but can rule out other causes and assess general health.
At Elfcare, we provide advanced brain imaging and lab testing. Our health checks help identify early neurological changes or warning signs that may need further medical evaluation.
Why early detection matters
Brain tumours don’t always cause symptoms right away, and when they do, it’s often because they’ve grown large enough to affect surrounding tissue. Detecting changes early can mean the difference between simple monitoring and urgent treatment.
Early detection allows for:
More treatment options, often less invasive
Better recovery outcomes and fewer long-term effects
Timely management before symptoms worsen
Peace of mind when nothing concerning is found
Awareness of subtle warning signs such as persistent headaches or sudden vision changes is often the first step. Knowing when to seek medical advice can prevent months of uncertainty and lead to faster care if needed.
How Elfcare can help
Elfcare’s preventive health checks are designed to help you spot potential health issues early, including neurological warning signs that may warrant further testing.
Through simple blood tests, health assessments, and symptom tracking, we provide a clear picture of your body’s overall health. If your results suggest something that needs attention, we help you connect with the right healthcare professionals for imaging or specialist consultation.
Our approach focuses on awareness, prevention, and empowerment. Because when you understand what’s happening inside your body, you can act before it affects how you feel.
Curious about your brain health? Elfcare’s screening services help you take control, detecting early signs.
Summary
A brain tumour can be benign or malignant, but both types can affect brain function and quality of life. Symptoms often develop gradually and can easily be mistaken for something else, but early detection makes a real difference.
With modern imaging and proactive health monitoring, it’s possible to identify brain changes early and act quickly. At Elfcare, we believe that understanding your body and your brain is the first step to protecting it.
When you listen to what your body is telling you, you can take control of your health before it takes control of you.
Last updated: 23 Jan. 2026
Reviewed by: Specialist doctors from the quality team at Elfcare
FAQs
What is a brain tumour?
A brain tumour is an abnormal growth of cells within or around the brain. Tumours can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), and both can affect brain function. Because the brain is enclosed within the skull, even small tumours can cause symptoms by putting pressure on sensitive areas.
What are the most common symptoms of a brain tumour??
Symptoms can develop gradually and may include persistent headaches, dizziness, vision problems, seizures, or difficulties with speech, balance, or coordination. Some people also experience changes in mood, memory, or concentration. While these symptoms can have many causes, persistent or worsening signs should be medically evaluated.
How are brain tumours detected?
Detection usually begins with a neurological examination followed by imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans. MRI is the most detailed method for identifying brain tumours and their location. If a tumour is found, a biopsy may be needed to determine its type.
What causes brain tumours?
In most cases, the exact cause of a brain tumour is unknown. Risk factors can include genetic conditions, family history, or previous radiation exposure to the head or neck. Brain tumours are uncommon, but early detection significantly improves outcomes.