Dr. B.K. Singhania

Brain Tumours: Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore

A brain tumour is one of the most feared diagnoses — yet many people delay seeking help because the early symptoms closely resemble ordinary ailments like headaches or stress. Early detection, however, can transform a life-threatening situation into one that is manageable and treatable.

What is a Brain Tumour?

A brain tumour is an abnormal growth of cells within the brain or the surrounding tissue. Tumours can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). They can originate in the brain (primary tumours) or spread from other parts of the body (secondary/metastatic tumours).

Common Warning Signs

The symptoms of a brain tumour depend on its location and size. Watch out for:

• Persistent or worsening headaches — especially in the morning or that wake you from sleep
• Unexplained nausea and vomiting, not linked to food or illness
• Sudden vision problems — blurred, double, or loss of peripheral vision
• Seizures (fits) in someone with no prior history of epilepsy
• Weakness or numbness in the arms, legs, or one side of the face
• Difficulty speaking, finding words, or understanding speech
• Memory problems, confusion, or personality changes
• Loss of balance or coordination
• Hearing problems or ringing in the ears

When Should You See a Neurosurgeon?

If you experience any combination of the above symptoms, especially headaches that are new, persistent, or accompanied by neurological changes — do not wait. Seek a specialist evaluation immediately. An MRI scan of the brain is the primary tool for diagnosis.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the type, size, and location of the tumour:

• Surgical removal — Dr. Singhania performs microscopic and endoscopic tumour excision, including pituitary tumour removal through the nose
• Radiation therapy — often used after surgery for malignant tumours
• Chemotherapy — for certain types of brain cancers
• Stereotactic radiosurgery — precise radiation treatment for small or deep tumours
• Watchful waiting — for very small, slow-growing benign tumours

Slip Disc & Cervical Spondylosis: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Spine-related problems have become one of the most common health complaints across India — cutting across all age groups. Whether it's a "slip disc" in the lower back or cervical spondylosis in the neck, these conditions can cause significant pain and, if untreated, lead to nerve damage.

What is a Slip Disc?

Between each vertebra in the spine is a cushion-like disc. When the outer layer of this disc tears and the soft inner material pushes out, it is called a herniated or "slip" disc. If this presses on nearby nerves, it causes pain, numbness, or weakness.

What is Cervical Spondylosis?

Cervical spondylosis is age-related wear and tear of the spinal discs and vertebrae in the neck. It is extremely common — by age 60, more than 85% of people show signs on X-ray, though not everyone has symptoms.

Warning Symptoms — When to Worry

• Neck or back pain that radiates down the arm or leg
• Tingling, numbness, or "electric shock" sensation in the hands or feet
• Weakness in the arms, legs, or grip
• Difficulty walking or loss of balance
• Loss of bladder or bowel control — this is an emergency
• Pain that is severe, worsening, or disturbs sleep

Treatment Options

Not all slip discs require surgery. Dr. Singhania follows a stepwise approach:

• Conservative management: Rest, physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and pain management — effective for most cases
• Injections: Nerve root blocks or epidural steroid injections for persistent pain
• Minimally invasive endoscopic spine surgery: Small incisions, rapid recovery — Dr. Singhania is an expert in this technique
• Disc replacement: Replacing the damaged disc with an artificial one, preserving motion
• Complex spine reconstruction: Including C1–C2 transpedicular screw fixation for unstable cervical injuries

Brain Stroke: Recognising the Signs & Acting Fast

A brain stroke is a medical emergency. Every minute after a stroke, approximately 1.9 million brain cells die. Yet, many people delay seeking help because they don't recognise what is happening. Understanding the signs can save a life and prevent permanent disability.

What is a Brain Stroke?

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is cut off — either because a blood vessel is blocked (ischaemic stroke, the most common type) or because a blood vessel bursts (haemorrhagic stroke). Without oxygen-rich blood, brain cells begin dying rapidly.

The FAST Test — Remember This

The simplest way to identify a stroke is the FAST acronym:

• F — Face drooping: Does one side of the face droop or feel numb? Ask the person to smile — is it uneven?
• A — Arm weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask them to raise both arms — does one drift downward?
• S — Speech difficulty: Is the speech slurred or strange? Can they repeat a simple sentence?
• T — Time to call emergency: If you see any of these signs, call immediately and get to the nearest hospital.

Other Stroke Symptoms

• Sudden severe headache — described as the "worst headache of my life"
• Sudden confusion or trouble understanding
• Sudden vision problems in one or both eyes
• Loss of balance, dizziness, or difficulty walking

Treatment — The Golden Hour

For ischaemic strokes, a clot-dissolving drug (tPA) can be given within 4.5 hours of onset. The sooner treatment is given, the better the outcome. Dr. Singhania and the Apollo neurosurgery team specialise in intra-arterial thrombolysis and neurovascular interventions for haemorrhagic stroke.

Risk Factors — Who Is Most at Risk?

• High blood pressure (the single biggest risk factor)
• Diabetes and high cholesterol
• Smoking and excessive alcohol use
• Irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation)
• Previous TIA ("mini-stroke") or family history
• Obesity and physical inactivity