Symptoms

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The signs and symptoms of a brain tumor vary and greatly depend on the size and location of the tumor. Symptoms may be caused when a tumor presses on a nerve or damages a certain area of the brain. They also may be caused when the brain swells or fluid builds up within the skull.

The most common signs and symptoms include:

Headaches

Headaches are a common initial symptom and are usually described as being worse in the morning, with gradual improvement throughout the day. The headaches may rouse the person from sleep and sometimes, upon awakening, cause the person to vomit. These headaches may worsen with coughing, exercise, or with a change in position such as bending or kneeling. They are also not typically responsive to over the counter headache remedies.

Seizures

Seizures are caused by a disruption in the normal flow of electricity in the brain, causing convulsions, unusual sensations, and loss of consciousness. Focal seizures are also a common symptom of a brain tumor. These include muscle twitching or jerking of an arm or leg, abnormal smells or tastes, problems with speech or numbness and tingling in extremities.

Mental and/or Personality Changes

Depending on where the tumor is located, changes in behavior, temperament and personality may occur. These problems can range from memory, speech, communication and concentration issues to severe intellectual problems and confusion.

Mass effect

The symptoms of mass effect include nausea and vomiting, drowsiness, vision problems such as blurred or double vision or loss of peripheral vision, and the headaches and mental changes already mentioned. Mass effect is caused by increased intracranial pressure (IICP) due to tumor growth or the accumulation/restriction of fluid. A swollen optic nerve is a clear sign of IICP and can be observed by an eye doctor. This sign is common in young children, in persons with slow growing tumors, with tumors in the posterior fossa, and in older patients.

Focal Symptoms

Focal symptoms can help identify the location of the brain tumor. These include ringing or buzzing sounds in the ears or hearing loss, decreased muscle control, lack of coordination, decreased tactile sensation, weakness or paralysis, difficulty with walking or speech, balance problems, or double vision.

If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, discuss the possibility of a brain tumor with your physician. The symptoms are more often attributed to other illnesses but should be reviewed by a doctor to prevent growth and spreading. The Florida Hospital Cancer Institute Care Coordinators can help you get a referral should your doctor suspect a brain tumor is present. You can contact them at (407) 303-5999.