Early Neurological Manifestations of Brain Tumors and the Role of Public Health Systems: A Literature Review
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Abstract
Brain tumors remain a major global neurological health challenge associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis is critical for improving patient outcomes; however, diagnostic delays remain common in both high-income and low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Early symptoms are often nonspecific and may resemble common conditions such as migraine, epilepsy, or stress-related disorders, making timely recognition difficult. This review summarizes the early neurological manifestations of brain tumors, the major factors contributing to diagnostic delay, and the role of public health systems in accelerating diagnosis. Delays may occur at the patient, physician, and healthcare system levels, including limited symptom awareness, misdiagnosis, inadequate clinical suspicion, poor access to neuroimaging, and inefficient referral systems. Addressing these barriers requires a coordinated public health approach involving improved physician training, public awareness campaigns, optimized referral pathways, and expanded access to neuroimaging, particularly in resource-limited settings.
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