Which sign or symptom is often associated with headaches due to an intracranial tumor?

The presence of pain that worsens when lying down is a sign that can be associated with intracranial tumors due to increased intracranial pressure. When a tumor is present within the confines of the skull, it can impede the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and increase pressure on surrounding neural structures. This pressure can contribute to alterations in pain perception and headaches that become more pronounced in certain positions, such as lying flat. Additionally, lying down can disrupt normal drainage of CSF, exacerbating headache symptoms.

Acute onset of pain is more characteristic of conditions like migraines or cluster headaches rather than a gradual increase in headaches that can be seen with a tumor. Pupillary constriction may occur with other neurological conditions but is not a specific indicator of intracranial tumors, where other changes such as dilated pupils may be more common due to pressure effects. Stupor or altered consciousness typically reflects significant neurological compromise or advanced disease rather than being a primary symptom associated specifically with headaches.