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It is not uncommon to find that certain infections of the brain may lead
to headaches. However, these infections happen quite rarely. These may be
due to brain aneurysm, tumor, stroke or Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIA).
Brain aneurysm/cerebral aneurysm
Usually,
an aneurysm is asymptomatic and is present from birth itself. In this
case, there is a weakness within the artery wall itself which may lead
to it being ballooned out, thus deteriorating gradually. These aneurysms
are detected in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans as well as in
Magnetic Resonance Angiogram (MRA) scans.
As already mentioned
above, the aneurysm is usually asymptomatic. But if at all it ruptures
due to weakening, then it may leak blood into the brain creating severe
headaches and life-threatening neurological conditions. Ruptured or
leaking aneurysm can also lead to what are known as ‘thunderclap
headaches’.
The aneurysm might rupture or start leaking
during physical activity, even during intercourse. So any headache
related to physical activity must immediately be brought to the notice
of a neurologist.
In case, an aneurysm bursts, surgery is the
only means of treatment and that should also be undertaken at the
earliest.
Tumor
A tumor usually gives
signals as to its own presence. Although classified as a rare kind of
headache, a person complaining of a constantly increasing pain should be
investigated for a tumor. A tumor is characterized by not only a
constantly, increasing pain but also a constantly character-changing
pain.
It is absolutely not necessary that a patient will start
experiencing headaches at the onset of the tumor itself. A headache
might be quite a late occurrence in the process of tumor development.
This entirely depends upon the location of the tumor. Sometimes, other
neurological symptoms might also accompany headaches.
Also it is
significant to note that any kind of exertional activity, if associated
with pain, should be promptly investigated as it might signal a
tumor.
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