Persistent Headaches May Signal Brain Tumour – Neurosurgeon Warns

A neurosurgeon, Dr Charles Ugwuanyi, has warned Nigerians against dismissing persistent headaches as ordinary pain.

He said they could sometimes be symptoms of serious medical conditions, including brain tumours and aneurysms.

Ugwuanyi, the chief medical director of Wellington Hospital, Abuja, said people who experience recurring headaches, particularly those that persist for days or occur on waking in the morning, should seek medical attention rather than rely on painkillers.

He gave the warning at a press conference marking the hospital’s 15th anniversary, where he spoke on neurological conditions and the need for early diagnosis and treatment.

According to him, some people routinely take paracetamol whenever they experience headaches without investigating the underlying cause, a practice that could delay the diagnosis of potentially serious conditions.

He said the hospital had diagnosed several cases of brain tumours and aneurysms among patients who presented with persistent headaches.

Ugwuanyi explained that the brain controls several functions of the human body, making early investigation of conditions affecting it particularly important.

He said modern diagnostic equipment, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerised tomography (CT) scans, was essential for identifying abnormalities in the brain and spine before surgery.

The neurosurgeon also highlighted epilepsy as another neurological condition that requires greater public awareness, warning that stigma often prevents patients from seeking medical attention.

He said epilepsy could be managed with medication, while some cases were suitable for surgical treatment, urging affected persons and their families not to conceal the condition.

Ugwuanyi further identified hypertension and diabetes as major health concerns, warning that poorly controlled cases could contribute to kidney damage.

He also cautioned against the indiscriminate use of painkillers, particularly drugs such as ibuprofen, indomethacin and naproxen, noting that their misuse could harm the kidneys.

The CMD urged Nigerians to undergo regular medical checks, particularly blood pressure and blood sugar tests, and avoid self-medication.