Is Waking Up at Night with Head Pain a Sign of Brain Tumor?

Waking up in the middle of the night due to pain is not necessarily indicative of a brain tumor?

Last night, I experienced a dull headache before going to bed, and I was awakened by the pain around 5 AM.
I took some pain relievers, and after one or two hours, the pain subsided.
I researched online and found that waking up in the middle of the night due to pain could indicate a brain tumor.
Should I seek medical attention? I have a history of frequent headaches that occur at irregular intervals, and they are usually relieved by pain medication.
I also have issues with shoulder and neck pain.
Thank you, doctor.

Melon, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/11/08

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

According to your description, the likelihood of a brain tumor causing headaches is relatively low, and the pain tends to worsen over time.
Given your age, the more common causes are tension-type headaches or migraines.
The symptoms of tension-type headaches are typically bilateral, located in the occipital and parietal regions, and can sometimes be widespread.
The nature of the pain is described as dull, pressure-like, or tight, without pulsation, and there may be tightness and stiffness in the occipital-cervical area, which is more pronounced when turning the neck.
The intensity is usually mild to moderate and does not interfere with daily activities; for example, walking or climbing stairs does not exacerbate the headache.
Factors such as fatigue, stress, excitement, anxiety, insomnia, or depression can worsen the headache.
Pain may be triggered by bending the head forward or backward.
As for migraine symptoms, they often include visual disturbances, such as seeing stars or lightning-like flashes, as well as blurred or distorted vision, which are all prodromal signs of a migraine.
A few minutes after the aura appears, you may experience tingling, weakness, or numbness in the face, hands, or legs.
During the attack, symptoms may accompany nausea, vomiting, photophobia, phonophobia, and pallor.
After the aura subsides, there is typically a severe, unilateral throbbing pain that can last for several hours, sometimes extending to 2-3 days.
It is advisable for you to consult a neurologist to discuss examination and treatment options.
Wishing you good health, peace, and happiness.

Reply Date: 2017/11/08

More Info

Waking up at night with head pain can certainly be alarming, and it's understandable to be concerned about serious conditions like a brain tumor. However, it's important to note that the likelihood of a brain tumor being the cause of your symptoms is relatively low, especially if the pain is intermittent and can be relieved with over-the-counter pain medication.

Headaches that wake you from sleep can have various causes, and they are not exclusively linked to brain tumors. In fact, most headaches are benign and can be attributed to tension, migraines, or other non-life-threatening conditions. For instance, tension-type headaches are common and often present as a dull, aching sensation that can be accompanied by tightness in the neck and shoulders. These headaches can be exacerbated by stress, fatigue, or poor posture.

Migraines, on the other hand, can also cause significant pain and may be associated with other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. They can occur at any time, including during the night, and may wake you from sleep. If your headaches are accompanied by visual disturbances or other neurological symptoms, it would be prudent to seek medical attention.

In your case, since you mentioned that the pain is not constant and can be alleviated with pain relievers, it suggests that your headaches may not be due to a serious underlying condition. However, the presence of neck and shoulder pain could indicate tension or muscle strain, which is often a contributing factor to headaches.
It's also worth considering other factors that may be affecting your sleep and headache patterns. Stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances can all play a role in the frequency and intensity of headaches. If you are experiencing significant stress or changes in your sleep patterns, addressing these issues may help reduce the occurrence of your headaches.

That said, if you are experiencing any of the following "red flag" symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly:
1. A sudden change in the pattern or intensity of your headaches.

2. Headaches that are progressively worsening over time.

3. Headaches accompanied by neurological symptoms such as weakness, numbness, or changes in vision.

4. Headaches that occur after a head injury.

5. New headaches that begin after the age of 40.

In conclusion, while waking up at night with head pain can be concerning, it is not necessarily a sign of a brain tumor. Given your history of headaches and the nature of your symptoms, it would be wise to consult with a healthcare professional, preferably a neurologist, who can conduct a thorough evaluation and determine if any imaging studies, such as an MRI, are warranted. They can also help you explore treatment options to manage your headaches effectively and improve your overall quality of life.

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