Neurologist breaks down ways to tell if your headache is just a bad cold or sign of a brain tumour

A doctor has detailed differences between a typical headache and one which requires professional attention.

It can be hard not to let your worries get the better of you, start googling symptoms and then end up convinced you're dying - and well, if you have health anxiety on top of that, it's even more stressful.

Thankfully, a neurologist has offered advice on when your headache is pretty standard and when you should probably go and check in with a doctor to be on the safe side, alongside what other symptoms on top of it may be cause for concern.

Dr Bing took to Instagram last month to reveal 'the common signs and symptoms of a brain tumor'.

However, the doctor reassures 'having any of these signs does not automatically mean someone has a brain tumor' but they are 'some of the commons symptoms' doctors do 'see in people who are symptomatic from brain tumor'.

Included in the common signs is having a headache - but there are several clear distinctions to be made.

Headache

Dr Bing explains: "Headaches from brain tumors are usually caused by an increase in pressure in the brain. These headaches usually get worse with activities that increase pressure in the brain even more such as coughing, sneezing or the Valsalva manuever.

"They can also get worse with laying down and that's why being woken up by a headache is a common complaint."

Dr Bing adds: "Any new headache over the age of 50 should be thoroughly investigated.

"[...] If a headache suddenly feels different, such as thunderclap headache, or it's lasting longer [than usual] it could be of something serious like a bleed or tumour or aneurysm."

Healthline adds if your headache lasts for 'days or weeks at a time' you should probably seek professional help too.

And there are other signs and symptoms which can accompany these headaches which can help you figure out if you should see a doctor.

Seizures

Seizures are 'among the most common symptoms,' and 'can affect up to 80 percent of people with brain tumors,' Dr Bing explains.

The doctor notes the seizures are 'usually focal meaning they start in one area of the brain where the tumor is and this is due to the brain tumor causing irritation in that part of the brain and causing the neurons to fire abnormally.'

"It's also important to note that lower grade or less aggressive tumors are more likely to cause seizures than higher grade tumors."

Focal neurologic symptoms

These 'really depend' on where the tumor is located, Dr Bing says.

Signs include weakness, numbness, visual issues and difficulties with speech.

There are also neurologic symptoms not 'picked up as easily' such as 'personality or mood changes'.

Should you have a tumor in the frontal lobe, you may end up becoming more aggressive in your behaviors.

Healthline adds unexplained weight loss, double, blurred or loss of vision, an increase pressure in the back of the head and a dizziness or loss of balance could also be cause for concern, alongside hearing loss or 'sudden inability to speak' or 'weakness or numbness that gradually worsens on one side of the body'.

If you exhibit any of these symptoms and are concerned, it's best to consult your doctor.