A brain tumor can have symptoms varying from a mild headache to a severe stroke. According to the National Brain Tumor Society, brain tumor symptoms are also determined by location of the tumor. This variance in symptoms occurs because the different parts of the brain control different functions. A tumor in one area of the brain may have different symptoms then a tumor in another area. Initial brain tumor symptoms should be recognized so that doctors can diagnose and treat the disease as soon as possible.
Headache
Most patients with brain tumors experience headaches that range from a mild pain to a throbbing headache. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the headaches caused by a brain tumor are steady and worsen upon first waking in the morning and get better within a few hours. The headache can worsen upon a change of position, and neck pain and double vision can accompany it. The pain can sometimes awaken the patient up at night and can cause the patient to vomit or become confused. Most people with headaches do not have brain cancer, but a persistent throbbing headache should receive medical attention.
Behavioral Changes
Some patients with a brain tumor can develop a change in their behavior, according to the National Brain Tumor Society. Patients can develop an aggressive or ambivalent attitude that becomes noticeable to their loved ones. This change in behavior can start with memory loss, loss of concentration and general confusion. If a patient experiences some of these symptoms, he should undergo a neurological examination.
Changes in Sensation
Many patients with brain tumors can experience changes in sensation. MedlinePlus lists changes in hearing, vision, taste or perception as possible symptoms of brain cancer. A patient can complain of persistent double vision, auditory hallucinations, a change in taste preferences or a persistent imaginary bad smell. All of these changes can indicate a potential neurological problem.
Seizures
The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that fifty percent of patients with brain tumors experience a seizure, called a partial seizure, which means that patients do not lose consciousness, but experience confusion, jerking movements or strange emotional or physical events. Any first time seizures in an adult should point to the possibility of a neurological problem such as a brain tumor.
Muscle Weakness
Brain tumors can cause muscle weakness. The National Brain Tumor Society lists numerous symptoms caused by this muscle weakness including loss of strength in one limb, loss of balance, difficulty speaking (which is due to a weakening of the vocal muscles) or visual disturbances (which can result from a weakening of the eye muscles). This weakening can occur due to the tumor damaging the part of the brain that controls these muscles.
