Table 2 Reason for investigation and findings (In some cases 2 or more reasons were listed) within the framework of BASH guidance for GPs when brain tumour is suspected
Indication for investigation within BASH guidance for GPs | Number of indications for investigation (%) | Number of positive findings for each indication (%) | Positive findings |
|---|---|---|---|
1. Papilledema | 1 (0.3%) | 1 (100%) | Idiopathic intracranial hypertension |
2. Significant alterations in memory, confusion or co-ordination | 4 (1.2%) | 0 | Â |
3. New epileptic seizures | 2 (0.6%) | 0 | Â |
4. New onset cluster headache | 7 (2.1%) | 0 | Â |
5. Headache with a history of cancer elsewhere | 11 (3.3%) | 0 | Â |
6. Headache with abnormal neurological signs or relevant symptoms | 29 (8.8%) | 0 | Â |
7. Headache aggravated by exertion or Valsalva like manoeuvre | 27 (8.2%) | 6 (22.2%) | Idiopathic intracranial hypertension, subdural, chiari (x3), orbital abnormality |
8. Headache associated with vomiting | 4 (1.2%) | 1 (25.0%) | Sinus thickening |
9. Headaches that change significantly | 32 (9.7%) | 2 (6.3%) | Lesion temporal lobe, aneurysm |
10. New headache in a patient over 50 years | 43 (13.1) | 0 | Â |
11. Headache that wake from sleep | 11 (3.3%) | 0 | Â |
12. Confusion | 2 (0.6%) | 0 | Â |
13. Other reason outside of guidance (See Table 3) | 156 (47.4%) | 6 (3.8%) | (See Table 3) |