According to various studies, the incidence of tumours in the brain ranges from 5 to 10 cases per the 1,00,000 population in India. Despite the increasing prevalence, progress in the field of neurosurgery has ensured that brain tumours can be treated safely with better outcomes. Some early warning signs of brain tumours include feeling pressure or pain in a particular area of the head; nausea and vomiting; sudden onset of impaired speech, vision or hearing; difficulty in concentration; motor seizures or convulsions; loss of coordination and balance; and sleep disturbance.
Headaches usually present at a much later stage and are not commonly the first symptom. Benign or noncancerous tumours can be completely cured by surgical resection. Surgeries that are assisted by navigation technology offer better outcomes as the technology uses diagnostic scans like CT, MRI etc. to create a map of the patient’s brain for the surgeon. Advanced modern software allows the surgeon to identify the tumour boundaries, blood vessels, etc. The surgeon can identify areas controlling critical functions of the patient like memory, vision, motor control etc.
Some tips for post-surgery care are – (1) Follow the doctor’s advice to ensure better and faster recovery. (2) Do not stop medications without consultation. (3) Make sure to eat healthy food and drink water to stay hydrated. A balanced diet rich in key nutrients such as Protein, omega 3, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin C, iron, zinc, magnesium and potassium is important. Eat nutritious snacks, fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and avoid salty snacks, sugary juices, coffee, tea, alcohol, and processed foods which can add empty calories and slow down healing. (4) Talk to someone you feel comfortable with in case you experience anxiety and stress.
