A brain tumor can occur at any age. It may be cancerous or noncancerous, which is called a benign tumor. Both kinds of tumors can be life-threatening. Treatment may involve surgery, drugs or radiation. A physician may opt to monitor a slow-growing tumor instead of treating it. Several common signs and symptoms may indicate a brain tumor.
Early Morning Headache
"Nursing Health Assessment" explains that one common finding in patients with a brain tumor is an early morning headache. This headache may slowly resolve as the day progresses, only to return the next day. The person may awaken early with the headache and vomit. Straining activities such as bending from the waist, exercising and forceful coughing may worsen the headache pain. It may become worse when the person lies down. Over-the-counter pain remedies may not relieve this type of headache.
Personality Changes
These changes may be subtle or quite dramatic. The Merck Manual explains that moodiness, depression, anxiety and a sudden loss of inhibition may indicate a brain tumor. The person may appear confused to others and have a decline in work performance. He may become unusually quiet and seem tired most of the time.
Seizures
A new onset of seizures may signal a brain tumor. The seizures may manifest as an inability to speak, unconsciousness, a sensation of an abnormal smell, muscle twitching, convulsions or other symptoms.
Eye Changes
The size of one or both pupils may change, or the pupils may not constrict when a flashlight is directed into the eyes. Double vision or blurry vision may cause the person to have difficulty walking or caring for herself.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting may disrupt the person's life and seem to be unrelated to food eaten or an intestinal virus. The vomiting may be projectile, meaning that it is expelled suddenly and forcefully.
Loss of Balance
Some types of brain tumors cause the individual to easily lose his balance and seem uncoordinated. He may stagger at times and drop items held in his hand. The limbs may feel weak, numb or have decreased sensation. One or both sides of the body may be affected. A portion of the face may become droopy.
Speech Problems
A person with a brain tumor may have difficulty speaking or finding the right words to say. She may also become unable to understand what others are saying to her.
Other Signs and Symptoms
There are dozens of less common signs and symptoms of a brain tumor, depending on its size and location in the brain. Any unusual symptoms should be evaluated by a physician for accurate diagnosis and treatment, if necessary.
References
- "Nursing Health Assessment"; Patricia M. Dillon, DNSc, RN; 2003
- American Brain Tumor Association: Brain Tumor Symptoms
- MayoClinic.com: Brain Tumor
- Merck Manual Home Edition: Brain Tumors
