Tumors of the frontal lobe of the brain produce many different symptoms, some common to all brain tumors, and some specific to this location. The exact nature of the symptoms depends on the precise location of the tumor within the frontal lobes. The earliest symptoms can be mild or dramatic. They can be confused with psychiatric conditions or dementia.
Motor Symptoms
Frontal tumors commonly cause weakness or paralysis in the opposite side of the body from where the tumor is located. Bilateral tumors can cause paralysis on both sides of the body. Paralysis can be in one arm or in the arm, leg and face. Gait can be affected even if there is no paralysis. Seizures are common and often involve the eyes, which jerk during the seizure, along with convulsions in the body. Since the frontal lobe controls the motor component of speech, speech, too, can be affected. Incontinence is common.
General Symptoms of Brain Tumors
Like other brain tumors, frontal tumors can cause headaches, nausea and vomiting. These symptoms are usually severe, not relieved by commonly used pain medications and are exacerbated by lying down. These symptoms are related to increased intracranial pressure. Vomiting in a person with a known brain tumor is a worrisome sign that necessitates an exam in the emergency room.
Cognitive and Personality Changes
Frontal tumors can cause subtle changes in personality. The patient's behavior can change to behavior that is that is not typical for her, and can be outright strange. Common personality changes include passivity, a lack of initiative and a lack of concern, accompanied by inability to learn and adapt to new situations. Alternatively, the patient might lose her inhibitions and behave in a wild and inappropriate manner. An example is a previously healthy elderly woman who is prudent, responsible and respectable as is typical of her age group, and then all of a sudden, she might start driving over the speed limit, undressing in public and swearing. A frontal tumor is one possible cause of such an alteration in behavior.
References
- "Adams and Victor's Principles of Neurology"; Maurice Victor and Allan Ropper; 2001
- "Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry"; Virginia Sadock and Pedro Ruiz (editors); 2009
