Persistent headaches being ignored despite being common symptom of brain tumours

A dull persistent pain can be caused by increased pressure

A damning parliamentary report has concluded that haelth officials have 'failed brain tumour patients for decades' (iStock)

Persistent headaches are being ignored by sufferers despite the fact they are a common indicator of brain tumours.

More often than not, headaches are treated with painkillers, even though there could be other underlying causes. A dull persistent pain can be caused by increased pressure in the head due to the existence of a brain tumour.

“This is usually a new headache that you’ve never had before, and it’s more of a dull ache,” Dr Robert Martuza, Professor in Neuroscience from Harvard Medical School, told SELF.

The pain is slow and persistent and grows as the tumour gets bigger and pressure starts to build within the head.

If a tumour is present, the headaches are likely to be more intense in the morning or at night due to an increase in pressure in the brain when you sleep.

The news comes as a parliamentary report has claimed that brain tumour patients have been failed for decades.

The report has called for more investment into research and has said patients are let down at every stage from diagnosis to treatment.

If you are experiencing a persistent headache, you should seek medical advice immediately.