Do you often suffer from intense headaches? Be cautious — it could be a symptom of a brain tumor. Brain tumor symptoms are often misunderstood or dismissed because they resemble more common health issues. However, headaches caused by brain tumors have their own distinct characteristics.
To determine whether your severe headaches are related to a brain tumor, it is essential to undergo an MRI examination.
Contents
Severe Headaches May Be a Sign of a Brain Tumor
Headaches are one of the most common symptoms of brain tumors. In fact, up to half of all brain tumor patients report experiencing them. These headaches occur when the tumor presses against surrounding healthy brain tissue or causes swelling, increasing pressure inside the skull.
Here are some characteristics of headaches associated with brain tumors:
- Can be throbbing or dull, depending on the tumor’s location
- Occur periodically, start gradually, and disappear within hours
- Tend to worsen over time
- May resemble migraines or tension-type headaches
Brain Tumor MRI Screening at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
At Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri, doctors can perform MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) to detect brain tumors. MRI produces highly detailed images of the body’s internal structures using a powerful magnet, radio waves, and a computer. MRI is used to evaluate, diagnose, and monitor various medical conditions, including brain tumors.
The MRI system used at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri is the advanced MRI Ingenia Ambition X. Patients can even watch YouTube or Netflix during the procedure for added comfort.
This MRI machine also features Compressed Sense technology, which speeds up scan time by 50% and enhances image quality. Additionally, the MRI tunnel is wider than conventional ones, helping patients feel more relaxed and less claustrophobic during the scan.
Brain Tumor Treatment at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
The Brain Tumor Center at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri offers a variety of treatment options, including:
1. Awake Brain Surgery
This unique procedure is performed while the patient is conscious and is especially useful for tumors affecting critical brain areas related to speech, movement, or other vital functions.
The goal is to monitor the patient’s responses in real-time to avoid damaging key functional areas. Local anesthesia ensures the patient feels no pain, and they remain engaged with the doctor throughout the procedure for precise guidance.
2. Transnasal Endoscopic Surgery
A minimally invasive technique using a flexible endoscope inserted through the nose to access deep brain regions like the pituitary gland and skull base.
Common uses include removing pituitary tumors, repairing cerebrospinal fluid leaks, and performing biopsies — all without opening the skull.
Benefits include:
- Faster recovery
- Lower risk of complications
- Minimal scarring compared to traditional brain surgery
3. SRS Brain Radiotherapy
This high-precision therapy uses focused radiation to target tumors or brain abnormalities without surgery.
Radiation beams are delivered from multiple angles to destroy abnormal cells while preserving surrounding healthy tissue.
Meet the Brain Tumor Specialists at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
Our Brain Tumor Center is staffed with experienced neurosurgeons, including record-breaking and internationally trained professionals:
1. Dr. dr. Mardjono Tjahjadi (Dr. Joy), Sp.BS, Subsp. N-Vas, F. N-Onk, PhD, FICS
Dr. Joy is the pioneer of Awake Brain Surgery in Indonesia. He trained under the legendary neurosurgeon Dr. Juha Hernesniemi and is skilled in both Awake Brain Surgery and Transnasal Endoscopic Surgery.
Available at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri:
- Monday: By appointment
- Tuesday: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: By appointment
- Thursday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Friday: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
2. Dr. Christian Ariono, Sp.BS, FINSS, FICS, FINPS
An expert in brain tumors and nerve compression, Dr. Christian also handles cerebral blood vessel blockages and infections like meningitis.
Available:
-
Monday to Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Tues: until 12:00 PM)
3. Dr. Christian Permana, SpBS, F-NTB, FINSS, FICS
Specializes in both brain and spinal tumor treatment, particularly through minimally invasive procedures. Also treats spinal infections and related conditions.
Available:
-
Tuesday to Saturday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
4. Dr. Oskar Ady Widarta, Sp.BS, FINO, FINSP
A Padjadjaran University graduate, Dr. Oskar has advanced training in Skull Base and Endoscopic Surgery in Spain and China and has participated in numerous international neurosurgical courses and seminars.
Available:
-
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a brain tumor or have concerns, don’t hesitate to visit Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri. Our expert doctors are ready to help.
Use our WhatsApp Chat, Book Appointment feature, or download the Care Dokter App from the Google Play Store or App Store to check queue numbers, schedule visits, and access complete medical information.