04/05/2026

MONDAY | MAY 4, 2026

26

HEALTH

Grey May shines spotlight on brain tumour awareness o Watching out for symptoms, understanding technological advancements in diagnosis, treatment

B RAIN Tumour Awareness Month this May, symbolised by the colour grey, highlights the importance of recognising the warning signs of one of the most complex neurological conditions. Often presenting with subtle symptoms, brain tumours can be easily overlooked, delaying potentially life-saving treatment. A brain tumour is an abnormal growth of cells within the brain or surrounding structures. It may be a primary tumour, originating in the brain itself, or metastatic, meaning it has spread from another part of the body such as the lungs, breast or skin. Tumours can also be benign, which are slower growing but still dangerous, or malignant, which are more aggressive and life threatening. Regardless of classification, both can significantly affect brain function and quality of life. Common symptoms may include persistent or worsening headaches, new-onset seizures, blurred or double vision, numbness or weakness in the limbs, speech difficulties and noticeable changes in memory, behaviour or personality. These symptoms should not be dismissed, as early medical assessment can significantly improve outcomes. Advancements in MRI and CT imaging have made earlier and more accurate diagnosis increasingly accessible. Early detection supports better treatment planning, improves surgical success rates, enhances quality of life and may increase survival rates, particularly in malignant cases. Modern brain tumour treatment often involves a multidisciplinary approach, combining surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and rehabilitation. Neurosurgeons now work closely with specialists across neuro-oncology, neurology, endocrinology, pathology and rehabilitation to create highly personalised treatment plans. Recent innovations in neurosurgery have transformed patient care through microsurgical tumour removal, neuronavigation systems, minimally invasive procedures, awake brain surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery and emerging targeted therapies based on a tumour’s genetic profile. These advancements allow for safer procedures, greater precision and A pilot study suggests a blood filtering treatment could safely extend pregnancy in women with severe early preeclampsia, potentially reducing the need for premature delivery caused by dangerously high blood pressure. Preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication linked to high blood pressure, currently has no direct treatment apart from delivering the baby early. Researchers say the condition is partly driven by elevated levels of a placental protein known as sFlt-1, which worsens as the disease progresses. Using a blood-filtering technique called apheresis, researchers removed sFlt-1 from the bloodstream in animal models before testing it on 16 women with very early preeclampsia. The treatment extended pregnancy by a median of 10 days,

Brain tumours often present with subtle symptoms, making early awareness and timely medical intervention crucial for better outcomes.

Understanding the warning signs of brain tumours could lead to earlier diagnosis, safer treatment and improved quality of life.

The procedure works by guiding thin electrical leads through blood vessels into the heart, where short bursts of electrical energy target and eliminate tissue responsible for abnormal heart rhythms. After one year, 56% of patients who underwent ablation remained free of abnormal heart rhythms, compared to 30% of those treated with medication alone. Researchers also found the risk of serious side effects was similar between both groups. The findings suggest earlier use of catheter ablation could provide more effective disease control for patients with persistent AFib, potentially reshaping how this condition is managed in the future. – Reuters improved patient outcomes. Beyond the physical diagnosis, brain tumours can have profound emotional, psychological and social effects on patients and families. Community support, awareness and education remain essential components of long-term resilience and recovery. This Grey May serves as an important reminder to raise awareness, encourage early consultation, support affected families and promote greater understanding of brain tumours within the wider community. This article is contributed by Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital consultant neurosurgeon Dr Kuha Raj Arumugam.

New treatment could reduce need for premature birth due to high blood pressure

Heart procedure may beat drugs for common arrhythmia

A minimally invasive heart procedure may offer better long term control than medication for patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AFib), according to new clinical trial findings. AFib, a common heart rhythm disorder, significantly increases the risk of stroke, heart failure and early death. While current guidelines often recommend medication as the first line of treatment for persistent AFib, new research suggests earlier procedural intervention may deliver stronger results. In the study, 310 patients with previously untreated persistent AFib were treated either with standard antiarrhythmic medications or pulsed-field catheter ablation using Boston Scientific’s Farapulse system.

Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication linked to high blood pressure. – ALL PICS FROM 123RF

controlled trials are still needed, the findings offer promising groundwork for addressing one of pregnancy’s most dangerous complications. – Reuters

roughly double the expected duration without intervention. Side effects for mothers were mild, while babies showed no major complications. Researchers noted while larger