The signs and symptoms of a brain tumour depend on its location. For example, if the tumour is developed near the brain part that controls your arm or eyesight, you may have symptoms like limb weakness or blurry vision.
As the brain controls everything and every part of your body, the symptoms of a brain tumour may comprise almost everything imaginable. Still, there are a few symptoms that are more common than others.
Headaches, vision problems, seizures, cognitive changes, balance and coordination issues, nausea and personality changes are the common early signs of a brain tumour. Here is a brief about how these signs manifest.
- Headaches
Severe or persistent headaches that are not relieved by over-the-counter pain medication can be a sign of a brain tumour. These headaches may worsen over time and may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting. However, headaches are not always an indication of a brain tumour. And sometimes they only appear if the tumour is very large.
- Seizures
Seizures are often the first sign of trouble. The irritation from the tumours makes the neurons fire abnormal signals that cause seizures. Seizures may manifest as convulsions, muscle jerking, or staring spells.
- Changes in vision
Patients usually complain of blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision. Sometimes people see floating spots or shapes - also known as aura. These changes may occur suddenly or gradually over time.
- Cognitive changes
A brain tumour can cause cognitive changes in a person. These changes may include memory loss, difficulty concentrating, confusion, trouble learning, and decision-making problems. These changes may be subtle at first but can become more pronounced as the tumour grows.
- Clumsiness, balance and coordination problems
If you find yourself fumbling with routine activities, like missing steps, struggling with balance, or difficulty walking, it is not a good indication for you. Problems in clearly speaking, swallowing and controlling facial expressions could also be a sign of clumsiness.
- Personality changes
Changes in personality, mood swings, or unexplained irritability are also common in brain tumours. This usually happens when the tumour is affecting the frontal lobe of the brain.
- Nausea and vomiting
Having persistent nausea and vomiting, which is not related to other medical conditions may also indicate a brain tumour. This is especially true if nausea and vomiting are accompanied by other neurological symptoms.
- Numbness
Loss of sensation or feeling on the face or in any part of the body is also a cause for concern. This usually happens when the tumour forms on the brain stem, the place where the brain connects to the spinal cord.
Takeaway!
A brain tumour is a severe condition and may be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early. For this, it is important to know the common early signs of a brain tumour.
Please note that the symptoms - you may be confused with a brain tumour - could also be caused by other medical conditions. So, it is good to consult a healthcare professional, especially a neurosurgeon for an accurate diagnosis.
Leave a Reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *