Every year, World Brain Day is marked to raise awareness around brain health and neurological conditions that often go undiagnosed or misunderstood. This year’s theme focuses on brain health and early detection, emphasizing how subtle signs—often brushed off as routine stress—may actually be the brain’s way of raising an alarm.While stress-related fatigue, burnout, and tension headaches are all-too-common in today’s never-resting, always hustling world, experts warn that dismissing persistent or unusual neurological symptoms as “just stress” could delay diagnosis of something more serious, such as a brain tumor.We spoke with Dr. Mukesh Kumar, Director and Head (Parkinson's Disease Unit), Neurosciences, Neurology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, to understand the difference between stress symptoms and potential red flags.Not All Headaches Are Just “Stress Headaches”Headaches are the most common symptom people link with stress, but not all headaches are created equal. Dr. Kumar explains, “A worst headache in the morning may be a feature of subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH), which is a medical emergency. Stress headaches are usually mild to moderate and without vomiting. SAH is usually very severe and comes with nausea or vomiting.”He adds that if your headache feels significantly different from your usual ones, especially if it’s persistent, worsening over time, or most intense after waking up, it’s worth seeking a neurological opinion.Brain Fog vs. Brain Tumor-Linked Cognitive SymptomsFeeling mentally scattered, struggling to focus, or forgetting things easily? It could be burnout, but not always.“Brain fog due to burnout is usually transient, affecting multiple domains and without any functional disability,” says Dr. Kumar. It’s often tied to sleep issues like delayed sleep initiation or fragmented rest.On the other hand, “Cognitive disability related to a brain tumor may affect one or more specific cognitive domains, tends to persist, and comes with functional disability,” he adds. You may also notice seizures, limb weakness, or trouble with routine tasks.Clumsiness and Loss of Balance: When It’s Not Just FatigueOccasional clumsiness may seem harmless, especially during hectic workweeks. However, if it progresses to frequent falls, a noticeable decline in coordination, or needing support for routine tasks, don’t ignore it.Dr. Kumar advises, “See a neurologist if there’s physical disability, frequent falls, need for support in walking, or significant reduction in your day-to-day functional efficiency.”These may point to disturbances in the brain’s motor control centers, possibly caused by a tumor affecting balance and coordination.Sudden Mood Swings or Personality Changes? Take NoteStress does affect mood, but a rapid and unexplained shift in personality could be neurological. “Sudden personality changes, if persistent for a few days to weeks, suggest early features of a brain tumor,” says Dr. Kumar.So, if someone who’s usually calm becomes irritable, withdrawn, or impulsive with no clear reason—and these changes don’t go away, it’s time for a deeper evaluation.Vision and Speech FluctuationsBlurred vision, slurred speech, or trouble finding the right words after a long day might seem like signs of tiredness. But if these symptoms come and go—or worsen—don’t brush them off.According to Dr. Kumar, watch out for “faster reaction or impulsive behaviour, neck and back pain, early morning back stiffness, fluctuating vision or speech issues, and disturbed sleep patterns.” These are neurological red flags that demand attention.Listen to Your BrainThe key message this World Brain Day is simple: Don’t ignore what your brain is trying to tell you. While stress is real and widespread, persistent or unusual symptoms—especially if they’re affecting your daily life—deserve a professional checkup.As Dr. Kumar sums it up, “Early detection can significantly improve outcomes in brain tumors. When in doubt, get it checked out.”
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