Symptoms of brain tumors vary significantly depending on location, size and type. The symptoms are caused by pressure on the brain and damage to healthy tissue. Swelling and fluid buildup, or edema, around the tumor can also cause different symptoms. Tumors may produce hydrocephalus, a condition in which they block the flow of cerebrospinal fluids causing them to build up. Oftentimes, a brain tumor grows slowly and symptoms are not noted for some time. It's quite common for patients to ignore these early symptoms or to think that they are caused by being tired.
Headaches
According to a 2005 study published in the "Journal of Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics," the most common early symptom reported by tumor patients is headache. These are most severe early in the morning and tend to be less severe as the day progresses. Approximately 46 percent of the patients that were later diagnosed with brain tumors reported experiencing severe headaches prior to their diagnoses. It's quite common for the patient to be misdiagnosed as having a migrane or even sinus infections.
Seizures
The second most common symptom of brain tumors are seizures, according to the "Journal of Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics." They are caused by sudden, abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Brain tumors, however, are not the only reason for seizures; they can also be caused by such conditions as high fever or epilepsy. Whatever the reason, seizures should not be ignored since they are usually signs of more serious conditions.
Problems in Vision
The "Journal of Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics" states that problems with vision are also commonly reported early symptoms with approximately 25 percent of patients experiencing them prior to diagnoses of brain tumors. Some common problems in vision include blurred vision, double vision and loss of peripheral vision. These symptoms are likely to be caused by the skull pressing down on the eyes. A doctor should be consulted about visual problems when they persist or worsen over time.
References
- "American Family Physician"; Primary brain tumors in adults.; Chandana, Mova, Arora; vol. 10, 1423-1430, 2008.
- "Seminars in Oncology"; Seizures and brain tumors.; vol. 3, 333-341, 2006.
- "Journal of Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics"; Managing symptoms and side effects during brain tumor illness.; Sperling; vol. 6, 71-76, 2005.
