Neurosurgery in Lagos
Brain and Spinal Tumours
The signs, what causes it, and when to see a neurosurgery specialist in Lagos.
Signs to look for
Brain and Spinal Tumours
- A headache that is new, different from usual or getting steadily worse, often with vomiting
- Fits (seizures) for the first time in an adult
- Weakness or numbness, often on one side of the body
- Changes in vision or speech
- Memory problems, confusion or a change in personality
A brain or spinal tumour is a growth of abnormal cells in the brain, the spinal cord or the tissues around them. Some are not cancer and grow slowly, such as most meningiomas; others are cancers that start there, or that have spread from cancer elsewhere in the body. Symptoms depend on where the tumour is and how fast it grows. An MRI scan finds most of them. Treatment can include steroids to reduce swelling, surgery to remove as much of the tumour as is safe, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- A headache that is new, different from usual or getting steadily worse, often with vomiting
- Fits (seizures) for the first time in an adult
- Weakness or numbness, often on one side of the body
- Changes in vision or speech
- Memory problems, confusion or a change in personality
- Back or neck pain with weakness, numbness or trouble with the bladder or bowel, for a spinal tumour
When to See a Doctor
Go to a hospital now for a sudden, severe headache unlike any before, a first fit, sudden weakness of the face, arm or leg, slurred speech or confusion: these can also be a stroke. Go the same day for new weakness in the legs, numbness between the legs or loss of bladder or bowel control, which can mean pressure on the spinal cord. After a head injury, go now if someone was knocked out, is drowsy, vomits, has a fit or has clear fluid from the nose or ears. See a doctor soon for a headache that keeps getting worse over weeks, or slowly changing memory, vision or behaviour.
Treatment options
- An MRI scan, and a biopsy where needed to tell the type
- Steroids to reduce swelling and medicines for fits
- Surgery to remove as much of the tumour as is safe
- Radiotherapy and chemotherapy, often after surgery
- Watching small, slow-growing tumours with repeat scans
- Physiotherapy, speech therapy and support with daily life
What it costs on Mezo
Starting cash prices for the treatments used for this condition.
Common Questions
Is every headache a brain tumour?
No. Almost all headaches have other causes, such as tension or migraine. A headache that is new, keeps getting worse, wakes you, or comes with vomiting, weakness or changes in vision should be checked by a doctor.
Can a brain tumour be treated in Nigeria?
Yes. Nigeria has neurosurgeons who operate on brain and spinal tumours, and radiotherapy is available in several centres. A surgeon who reviews your scans can tell you what is advised and where it can be done safely.
What should I bring to a review?
The scan images themselves, on a disc or a download link, not only the written report, along with blood results, any biopsy result and your list of medicines.
Need Help?
Find a verified neurosurgery specialist near you.
Neurosurgery in Lagos →Neurosurgery in Abuja →Neurosurgery in Port Harcourt →Neurosurgery in Jos →Neurosurgery in Ibadan →Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Brain tumours. NHS. Patient information.
- Head injury and concussion. NHS. Patient information.
- Rare Brain and Spine Tumors. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Official publication.
Links last checked 3 November 2026.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.