Decoding Brain Tumor Symptoms: What You Need to Know
Being medically aware and knowledgeable is of utmost importance. With the advancement of medical science and technology, we are also becoming aware of the numerous diseases and conditions that exist. From the warning signs to the treatment, everything is being charted out to us by modern medicine. A challenging condition like a brain tumor is one of them. Firstly, one needs to know about the signs and symptoms of brain tumor to go for early detection and following treatment. So, in this article, we will detail the symptoms of a brain tumor, the warning signs that come before a brain tumor, and also the symptoms as per the location of the tumor. Let us get started.
Symptoms of Brain Tumour
The signs and symptoms of brain tumor can be many. It is important to know what are the direct symptoms that manifest because of a brain tumor.
Headaches
Persistent, severe headaches that worsen over time can be a direct symptom of a brain tumor. These headaches may not respond to typical pain relief methods. They also often occur in the morning or during sleep.
Seizures
Brain tumors can cause seizures due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. These seizures may vary in intensity and frequency. These depend upon the location and size of the tumor.
Cognitive changes
Cognitive impairments such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and changes in reasoning or judgment can occur. They happen as a result of pressure on the brain or interference with brain function by the tumor.
Vision changes
Tumors located near the optic nerve can cause vision problems such as blurred vision, double vision, or even loss of vision in one or both eyes. These signs and symptoms of brain tumors can cause considerable difficulty in living as a whole.
Nausea and vomiting
Increased pressure within the skull caused by a tumor can lead to nausea and vomiting. This happens particularly in the morning or with changes in body position.
Weakness or paralysis
Tumors that press on or invade areas of the brain responsible for controlling movement can cause weakness or paralysis in specific parts of the body. This usually depends on the location of the tumor, which we will cover later in the article.
Speech difficulties
Tumors in certain areas of the brain can affect speech and language functions. This may lead to slurred speech, difficulty finding words, or problems with articulation.
Balance and coordination problems
Brain tumors can disrupt the brain's ability to coordinate movement and balance. As a result, the person may experience unsteadiness, clumsiness, or difficulty walking. This is one of the major signs and symptoms of brain tumor.
Personality or behavior changes
Changes in personality, mood swings, or uncharacteristic behaviors can occur; this can be due to the tumor's impact on brain function and emotional regulation centers.
Hearing problems
Tumors located near the auditory nerves can cause hearing loss. Some people may experience ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or other auditory disturbances.
Warning Signs of a Brain Tumour
Now, coming to the warning signs and symptoms of brain tumor, they refer to the signs that come before the tumor or just as the tumor is growing. They indicate that your body is prone to having a tumor. Here is a list of the warning signs:
Frequent headaches
While headaches are also a symptom of brain tumors, persistent headaches, especially if they are new or unusual for the individual, can be a warning sign.
Seizures
Another brain tumor warning signs are seizures. In case you have no family history of seizures and haven’t had a seizure beforehand, it can indicate a tumor.
Gradual onset of symptoms
Some symptoms gradually worsen over time. For instance, progressive weakness or numbness on one side of the body. Now, this can indicate a slow-growing brain tumor.
Difficulty with balance or walking
If you face difficulty balancing yourself or while walking, it might be so that you may develop a brain tumor or already have one.
Nausea or vomiting
Unexplained nausea or vomiting, particularly if it is persistent or unrelated to other conditions, can be a warning sign.
Changes in mental status
Confusion, memory problems, or changes in personality or behavior can be warning signs of a brain tumor. Especially if they are new or unexplained, it may indicate you are having a brain tumor. These are some brain tumor warning signs.
Speech difficulties
Difficulty speaking or understanding speech can be a sign of a brain tumor, particularly if it is sudden or unexplained.
Weakness or numbness
Weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body, can be a warning sign of a brain tumor. These are some of the early signs of brain tumor too.
Unexplained fatigue
Persistent fatigue that is not relieved by rest can be a warning sign of a brain tumor, although it is a nonspecific symptom and can have many other causes.
Brain Tumour Symptoms as per Location
Now, we will dive deeper into the signs and symptoms of brain tumor as per the location of the tumor in the brain. Since the brain's anatomy is divided into several sections, and each section performs specific tasks, a tumor will also have different symptoms depending on the location.
Frontal lobe
A brain tumor in the frontal lobe can lead to alterations in behavior or personality, speech difficulties, weakness, or numbness in the limbs. They can also be seizures due to their impact on movement, problem-solving, and emotional control.
Temporal lobe
Tumors in the temporal lobe may manifest as memory impairments, speech difficulties, hearing loss, and seizures. This is because the temporal lobe has its role in memory, language comprehension, and auditory processing.
Parietal lobe
Symptoms of a parietal lobe tumor can include sensory abnormalities. There may be difficulty with reading or writing and spatial awareness issues. This stems from the lobe’s involvement in processing touch, taste, and spatial information.
Occipital lobe
Visual disturbances such as blurry vision or partial loss of vision can result from a tumor affecting the occipital lobe. After all, this lobe is responsible for processing visual information.
Brainstem
Tumors in the brainstem can cause coordination problems, weakness, or numbness in the limbs. There will also be difficulties with speech or swallowing. A person’s basic functions, like breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure, will also be impacted.
Cerebellum
A tumor in the cerebellum may lead to coordination difficulties. There will also be balance problems and tremors, as this region controls movement and balance.
Pituitary gland
Hormonal imbalances, infertility, changes in appetite, and weight fluctuations can occur due to a tumor in the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is known to regulate various bodily functions through hormone production, and hence a tumor on the gland will have an impact on the same.
Conclusion
That was all about the signs and symptoms of brain tumor. However, our suggestion would be not to rely solely on self-diagnosis, especially if symptoms worsen. It would be always wise to take a doctor's recommendation and get yourself the treatment you deserve.
At Oncare, doctors have several years of experience diagnosing patients with brain tumors and providing an effective treatment strategy and plan for them. If you or your loved ones are suffering from a brain tumor, do not hesitate to call Oncare.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The answer to this isn’t specific as some symptoms may last for a shorter duration and move on to other symptoms. On the other hand, we can have some symptoms that may last months. And in some cases, symptoms can come and go regularly.
Headaches are the biggest signs and symptoms of brain tumor. There is no doubt about this, as doctors all over the world unanimously agree that headaches are the most common symptom for anyone suffering from a brain tumor. These are also early signs of brain tumor.
To confirm a brain tumor, you would first need to visit a doctor. They will give you some diagnostic tests and scans like an MRI or a CT scan. A blood test may also be advised to check for any other abnormalities. Your symptoms will also be taken into consideration and evaluated. Finally, only a doctor can confirm if there is a brain tumor or not.
The causes of brain tumors are diverse. For some, genetics plays a crucial role. Whereas for others, exposure to radiation or chemicals can lead to certain types of brain tumors. Again, conditions like HIV/AIDS may also increase one’s chances of having a brain tumor. Hence, the reasons are diverse and vast.