Headache Red Flags for a Brain Tumor
“Red flags” include headaches that have acutely changed in character, especially if there are new, more severe, or progressive symptoms. Other concerning headache symptoms are those on exertion or with onset at night or in the early morning, associated with fever, systemic symptoms, meningismus, or new neurologic signs, precipitated by Valsalva maneuvers. Lastly, if a new headache occurs in an adult (especially the elderly) or young child or in a cancer patient, cranial imaging should be performed to diagnose a potential brain tumor
Headache Red Flags That Require Further Evaluation for a Brain Tumor
| Prior headaches that have changed in character New, severe, progressive headaches Occur with exertion or onset at night or early morning Associated with fever, other systemic symptoms, meningismus, or new neurologic signs Precipitated by Valsalva maneuvers New symptoms in young child or adult (especially the elderly)New symptoms in a patient with a prior cancer diagnosis |
