Clinical Analysis of headache characteristics in brain tumor

Abstract

Objective：We analyzed the headache characteristics in patients with a brain tumor and its correlation with the grade of the tumor. Methods：Brain tumor patients with and without headaches were recruited. Sex, age, combined symptoms, neurological findings, and radiological characteristics were reviewed in both groups. Results：Sixty-nine patients(46 with and 23 without headache) comprised our study population. Intracranial pressure (ICP) symptoms were more prevalent in the headache group compared to the non-headache group(p=0.012). However, no other clinical differences were noted between the two groups. The prevalence of headache was increased in patients with metastatic brain tumor than primary brain tumor but there was no statistical significance. The characteristics of the headache were non-specific and could not be differentiated between malignant and benign brain tumors. Conclusion：Headache in brain tumor patients present in a non-specific characteristic. In patients with symptoms suggestive of an increased ICP or malignancy from another organ, further imaging may be warranted.