The classic “brain tumour headache” — there on waking, fading shortly after rising and lasting longer over time — is not a reliable pointer for diagnosis, Australian experts say.
New Australian guidelines for the management of adult gliomas recommend that all patients with new onset or recurrent headache that is uncharacteristic for that patient should also be imaged, particularly if they have neurological symptoms and signs.
The draft Clinical Practice Guideline for the management of adult gliomas: astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas also note that the classic brain tumour headache was a presenting symptom in only 17% of brain tumour cases.
Presented this week at the Clinical Oncological Society of Australia’s annual scientific meeting on the Gold Coast, the guidelines will also be published...
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