15 Symptoms & Treatment of Brain Tumor - FitWell Hub

 Brain Tumor Symptoms vary according to the type and location of the tumor. In some cases, there are few or no visible brain tumor symptoms, until the tumor grows large in size and starts making its way to other parts of the brain and alters its functioning. In symptomatic cases, the symptoms of these brain tumors are very gradual and can sometimes be missed while in other cases, these symptoms appear more frequently and can be confused with stroke symptoms. The only way to be sure about the cause of these symptoms is to undergo diagnostic tests followed by a consultation with an experienced neurologist .

Common brain tumor symptoms include:

Brain tumor cells proliferate and unlike other normal cells, they do not die. Eventually, the tumor continues to grow as more and more cells join this abnormal mass of tissue. Similarly, a brain tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue in the brain or spinal cord that can disrupt the proper function of the organ. Given below are some of the brain tumor symptoms:

1. Headache

Persistent or progressively worsening headache is a common symptom. They may be more severe in the morning or upon waking and may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

2. Tour

Seizures are another common symptom of brain tumors. They may appear as convulsions, muscle twitches, or loss of consciousness. Seizures may occur suddenly and without warning, or they may follow a specific pattern.

3. Cognitive and Behavioral Changes

Brain tumors can affect cognitive function, causing memory problems, difficulty with concentration, confusion, changes in judgment, and personality changes. Depression and irritability are also possible.

4. Vision problems

Tumors that affect the optic nerve or other parts of the visual pathway can cause vision problems such as blurred vision, double vision, loss of peripheral vision, or even blindness in severe cases.

5. Speech and language difficulties

Brain tumors in areas responsible for language and speech processing can cause difficulty speaking, understanding language, or finding the right words.

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6. Motor skill loss

Tumors in certain areas of the brain can affect motor skills and coordination. This can manifest as weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, difficulty walking or balancing, or clumsiness.

7. Sensory Changes

Brain tumors can cause sensory changes such as numbness or tingling in parts of the body, altered sensations (eg, heat or cold), or a reduced sense of touch.

8. Hearing Problems

Tumors affecting the auditory nerves or areas responsible for hearing can cause hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or changes in the perception of hearing.

9. Change in taste or smell

Some individuals with a brain tumor may experience changes in the perception of taste or smell, such as a metallic taste in the mouth or a strange smell.

10. Fatigue and drowsiness

A brain tumor may cause a general feeling of tiredness, drowsiness, or lethargy, which may persist even after adequate rest.

11. Changes in appetite or weight

Loss of appetite and unintentional weight loss may be due to tumor effects on the brain's regulatory centers for hunger and satiety.

12. Hormonal Changes

Tumors in the pituitary gland or other hormone-producing areas of the brain can disrupt normal hormone balance, causing a variety of symptoms such as menstrual irregularities, changes in libido, or abnormal growth patterns.

13. Coordination and balance problems

Brain tumors affecting the cerebellum or its connections may result in difficulty with coordination, balance, and fine motor skills.

14. Nausea and Vomiting

Increased intracranial pressure due to a tumor can cause nausea and vomiting, especially in the morning or with a change in body position.

15. Change in sleep pattern

Brain tumors can cause changes in sleep patterns, leading to insomnia or excessive sleepiness.

Other brain tumor symptoms and signs include

Apart from the common symptoms, other symptoms of brain tumor are also given below. Given below are some of the other common brain tumor symptoms:

• changes in concentration, memory, attention, or alertness
• nausea or vomiting, especially in the early morning
• abnormalities in vision; blurred vision
• headaches that are severe in the morning
• weakness or paralysis on one side of the body
• difficulty thinking, speaking, or remembering words
• Persistent changes in intellectual or emotional ability

Brain Tumor Treatment

Brain tumor treatment can be based on various factors and symptoms of brain tumor (the treatment depends upon the brain tumor symptoms which the doctor is experiencing)

• Age, overall health and medical history
• tumor type, location, and size
• nature of recurrence
• the patient's tolerance level for certain drugs, procedures, or therapies

Brain tumor treatment specialists include neurosurgeons , medical oncologists , and radiation oncologists . In addition to the specialist, the treatment team may include other professionals such as nurses, dietitians, mental health counselors, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and/or speech therapists.