24 Sep 2025 : As per Mayo Clinic, brain tumours are abnormal cell growths in or around the brain, and they can be cancerous or non-cancerous – while some aren’t cancerous, brain cancers may grow quickly. That is why it is important to watch out for symptoms and see a doctor if they are persistent or worsening to get a proper evaluation and early diagnosis.
‘Early detection can make all the difference’
Dr Jay Jagannathan, neurosurgeon, Jagannathan Neurosurgery Institute, took to Instagram on September 22 to share ‘hidden signs of a brain tumour’ that you might be overlooking. He said, “Over my years in neurosurgery, I’ve seen patients brush off subtle symptoms — only to discover a brain tumour later. Early detection can make all the difference.”
Symptoms to watch out for
He added, “I’ve seen patients dismiss these signs, thinking it’s stress — early evaluation often changes everything.” According to Dr Jagannathan, here are ‘5 surprising signs people often overlook’:
1. Persistent headaches that feel different from usual.
2. Vision changes – blurry, double, or loss of peripheral vision.
3. Cognitive changes – memory lapses, trouble concentrating, or finding words.
4. Personality or mood shifts – sudden irritability or depression.
5. Seizures or unusual tingling/numbness – even a single episode matters.
In a July 2025 interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Rohit Bansil, associate director, neurosurgery and neurospine, BLK – MAX Super Speciality Hospital, had said, “In India, approximately 40,000 cases of brain tumours are reported every year, accounting for nearly 2 perent of the total cancers detected in India. The early detection of brain tumours and early intervention is very vital for the treatment outcome and overall survival.”
Summary:
Experts warn subtle brain tumour symptoms include unexplained tingling, sudden irritability, frequent headaches, vision changes, and memory lapses—often mistaken for stress, delaying timely diagnosis and treatment.