Childhood brain cancer is the second most common form of cancer in children and affects more than 2,000 children each year, explain medical professionals with KidsHealth. The symptoms of childhood brain cancer can be subtle, making it difficult for doctors to diagnose this condition in affected children. Children who develop any childhood brain cancer symptoms should be taken to a doctor for further evaluation and care.
Headache
Cancerous cell growth within the brain increases the amount of pressure in the head, leading to headache symptoms in children. Headache pain can be severe and is typically worst when a child wakes up in the morning, explain medical experts with the National Cancer Institute. Painful headache symptoms can occur sporadically and typically recur frequently. Children with headache pain can complain that their head hurts or may develop difficulty concentrating or focusing at school or home.
Upset Stomach
Vomiting can occur as a symptom of childhood brain cancer in certain children, explain health professionals with the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Stomach upset symptoms are typically triggered by severe headache pain and may be worse when a child is in motion. A child with brain cancer may frequently vomit upon waking, which can help temporarily alleviate painful headache symptoms. Additionally, affected children may not eat very much at snack time or mealtimes due to stomach upset symptoms or decreased appetite.
Vision Difficulties or Dizziness
Increased pressure within the brain caused by brain cancer can affect the normal function of the optic nerve. Consequently, children with childhood brain cancer can experience vision difficulties as symptoms of this condition, explain health experts with MedlinePlus. Affected children can develop double or blurred vision, which may cause them to appear confused or unstable while standing or walking. These vision difficulties can also contribute to sensations of dizziness in affected children. In certain cases, a child with brain cancer may temporarily lose complete sight in one or both eyes. Children who develop sudden or severe vision changes for any reason should be seen by a medical professional as soon as possible.
Weakness or Seizures
Health professionals with the National Brain Tumor Society report that children with brain tumors can develop unusual sensations of weakness as a symptom of this condition. Leg or arm weakness can affect a child's ability to move about normally without assistance. Additionally, certain children can begin experiencing involuntary muscle spasms, or seizures, that can be accompanied by loss of consciousness. Seizures can also be a sign of epilepsy and affected children should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible to ensure receipt of appropriate care.
Speech or Memory Problems
Brain cancer growth can affect the normal transmission of nerve signals through the brain. Children who develop brain cancer can exhibit speech of memory problems as symptoms, warns MedlinePlus. A child may develop unusually slurred speech and can have difficulty remembering certain things, such as the name of her favorite pet or book.
Personality or Behavior Changes
Abnormal or unusual personality or behavior changes can be symptoms of childhood brain cancer, explain NCI health experts. A child can appear unusually aggressive, inattentive or withdrawn. Sudden or severe behavior or personality changes should be discussed with a pediatrician immediately.
References
- MedlinePlus: Brain Tumor—Children
- National Cancer Institute: Childhood Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Pediatric Brain Tumors - Symptoms and Diagnosis
- KidsHealth: Brain Tumors - Signs and Symptoms
- National Brain Tumor SocietyWhat are the common symptoms of brain tumors in children?
