The brain consists of highly specialized cells, called neurons, which signal to each other within the brain to control a range of functions throughout the body. Groups of cells, called glia, surround, support and nourish this network of neurons. Brain cancer can develop from neurons or glia that develop genetic mutations and begin to rapidly proliferate, giving rise to a tumor. Brain tumors can result in a number of symptoms, depending on the severity of the tumor and the tissues affected.
Headaches
Headaches remain one of the most common symptoms of a brain tumor. Although headaches are common in healthy individuals, brain cancer can cause unusual headaches. This may result because of an increase in pressure within the skill. As the brain cancer progresses, the growth of the tumor puts pressure on other parts of the brain, which can cause pain. The tumor may also block the circulation of spinal fluid, contributing to intra-cranial pressure.
According to the University of Michigan, headaches as a result of a brain tumor may become extremely persistent and affect the patient on a daily basis. On the other hand, some types of brain tumors may not cause headaches, but lead to other symptoms.
Dizziness
Dizziness, also called vertigo, is another common symptom of brain cancer. Vertigo causes the patient to feel like they are spinning. Experiencing vertigo does not automatically mean a person has cancer. Dizziness can also result from problems within the inner ear. Brain cancer may lead to vertigo because the tumor slightly re-organizes the blood vessel structure within the brain to receive the most oxygen possible. This can leave other areas of the brain oxygen-deprived due to a decrease in blood flow, leading to lightheadedness.
According to The Merck Manuals, vertigo proves most common in brain cancers that occur close to the brain stem, or cancers of the nerves connecting to the ear.
Motor and Sensory Problems
As a brain tumor grows, it damages neighboring tissue due to increased cranial pressure, as well as actively killing neighboring healthy cells to make more room to grow. If the cancer damages regions of the brain responsible for movement or sensory systems such as vision, a patient may experience motor or sensory dysfunction. This may result in muscle weakness and disturbances in walking, or decreased vision or double vision.
According to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, motor problems are common in tumors growing near the cerebellum, a region near the brain stem that helps control movement. Visual disturbances can result from tumors that affect the visual cortex, a region at the back of the brain, above the cerebellum. These cancers can often be treated by surgery, especially if they have not spread throughout the brain.
