Doctor explains how to tell if your headache is a sign of a brain tumour

A doctor has shared vital information about how you can tell the difference between a dangerous headache from a common one. Dr Baibing Chen highlighted two particular symptoms to watch out for. He warned: "If a headache suddenly feels different, such as thunderclap headache, or it's lasting longer [than usual] it could be of something serious like a bleed or tumour or aneurysm."

Dr Chen said that although most headaches are generally harmless, the 'thunderclap' variety – named after the swift and forceful weather event – is characterised by excruciating pain akin to a blow to the head. This type of headache can signify "blinding pain unlike anything experienced before," and is classified as a medical emergency.

The NHS recommends anyone experiencing this kind of severe headache should immediately seek help by calling 999 or visiting A&E. Originally hailing from America, Dr Chen posted on Instagram about the dangers of sudden thunderclap headaches as they may indicate a ruptured blood vessel in the brain, potentially leading to permanent disability, comatose states, or death, reports the Mirror.

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The doctor also warned against neck manipulations, sometimes practiced by chiropractors, due to the infrequent but grave risks involved. "Forceful neck adjustments can carry a rare but serious risk, and that is vertebral artery dissection... A stroke in the brainstem can lead to one of the scariest things I've ever seen and it's called 'locked-in syndrome', where you're fully aware but can't move or speak."

Headaches might just be a nuisance for some, but they can also signal something far more serious like a brain tumour, prompting doctors to recommend a GP visit if your headaches are new or worsening. Dr Chen emphasises the importance of regular sleep for overall health and in staving off headaches.

"Chronic sleep deprivation can increase the risk of dementia and lead to a host of neurological issues. So even with a busy schedule at the hospital and coming home to two little kids I try my best to get quality sleep and get at least six hours when I can," the neurologist added. While the NHS suggests that most adults need around seven to nine hours of sound sleep, a recent study shockingly revealed that Brits are missing out on nearly 25 days' worth of sleep annually.

NHS headache warning - when should I seek help?

You can get a non-emergency appointment with your GP if:

• your headache keeps coming back

• painkillers do not help and your headache gets worse

• you have a bad throbbing pain at the front or side of your head – it could be a migraine or, more rarely, a cluster headache

• you feel sick, vomit and find light or noise painful

• you regularly get headaches before or during your period

Get an urgent GP appointment or call 111 if you or your child has a severe headache and:

• jaw pain when eating

• blurred or double vision

• a sore scalp

• other symptoms, such as numbness or weakness in the arms or legs

Also get an urgent GP appointment or call 111 if your child is under 12 and has any 1 of the following:

• a headache that wakes them at night

• a headache when they wake up in the morning

• a headache that gets progressively worse

• a headache triggered or made worse by coughing, sneezing or bending down

• a headache with vomiting

• a headache with a squint (where the eyes point in different directions) or an inability to look upward

Call 999 or go to A&E if you or your child:

• has a head injury – for example, from a fall or accident

• has a headache that came on suddenly and is extremely painful

You or your child has an extremely painful headache and:

• sudden problems speaking or remembering things

• loss of vision

• feel drowsy or confused

• has a very high temperature and symptoms of meningitis

• the white part of the eye is red

Also call 999 or go to A&E if your child is under 12 and has any 1 of the following:

• a headache with vision problems or difficulty speaking, swallowing, balancing or walking

• a headache with drowsiness or a persistent lack of energy

• a headache that starts within 5 days of a head injury