Characteristics of Brain Tumor-Associated Headache

By C.J. Schankin, U. Ferrari, V.M. Reinsich, T. Bimbaum, R. Goldbrunner, and A. Straube

From time to time, almost everyone will experience a headache.  Some people get headaches frequently; others rarely experience one.  While headaches can be painful, most of the time they are soon gone – and we forget all about them. 

However, headaches are among the most common symptoms of brain tumors.

A recent study conducted by German physicians sought to determine the characteristics of headaches that are associated with brain tumors.1 As a part of this study, 85 brain tumor patients were examined to identify common characteristics in regards to their brain tumor.  Overall, 60% of sample experienced a headache that was associated with having a brain tumor.  Subjects also reported experiencing a generally dull, overall feeling of pain.  Furthermore, 40% met the criteria for tension-type headaches.  Only 2% of study population reported headaches as their sole symptom. 

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1. Schankin CJ, Ferrari U, Reinisch VM, Birnbaum T, Goldbrunner R, Straube A. Characteristics of brain tumour-associated headache. Cephalalgia 2007;27(8):904-11.