A US-based neurologist has revealed how to tell if a headache is harmless or a potential brain tumor.
In an Instagram video, Dr. Baibing Chen highlighted two symptoms to be aware of.
He said: “If a headache suddenly feels different, like a thunderclap, or if it lasts longer (than usual), it could be something serious like bleeding, a tumor or an aneurysm. »
According to the NHS, thunderclap headaches are sudden, severe pain that feels like a blow to the head.
Dr. Baibing Chen warned about brain tumor symptoms on Instagram
This debilitating headache may be a sign of a ruptured blood vessel in the brain that can lead to coma, permanent disability or death.
Thunderclap headaches are considered a medical emergency and the NHS is urging people who suffer from them to go to the emergency room or call 999.
A more frequent or constant headache may also be a sign of a brain tumor, and health professionals advise seeing a general practitioner.
Dr. Chen, who regularly posts videos answering questions about his profession, also offered his followers advice on preventing neurological problems, including “locked-in syndrome.”
This condition causes paralysis of voluntary muscles, except those that control eye movements. This can happen when the brainstem is severely damaged.
People suffering from “locked-in syndrome” are fully conscious and have the same cognitive abilities but they cannot speak or move.
Dr. Chen advises people to avoid neck manipulations – a technique often performed by chrisopractors – which carry a risk of developing a life-threatening condition.
“Forced neck adjustments can carry a rare but serious risk, namely vertebral artery dissection,” he said.
The NHS advises adults to sleep at least seven hours a night
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He also asked his followers to ensure they get enough and good quality sleep.
He explained that chronic sleep deprivation can increase the risk of neurological problems such as dementia.
He said: “So even with a busy schedule at the hospital and coming home with two small children, I try my best to get quality sleep and at least six hours when I can. »
The NHS advises adults to get between seven and nine hours of quality sleep each night.