Brain cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow within a child's brain matter. The most common form of brain cancer in children is called medulloblastoma, which most frequently affects girls around age 5, explains MedlinePlus. Brain cancer symptoms in children can be uncomfortable and require prompt medical attention if they occur.
Headache
Children with brain cancer typically develop recurrent headaches as a symptom of this disease. Headache symptoms arise due to increased brain pressure caused by cancer tumor growth. Affected children can experience severe headache pain, especially when they wake up in the morning, warns Children's Hospital Boston. Children who experience headache pain due to brain cancer may wake frequently throughout the night due to head discomfort. Certain activities, such as running around or laughing, may exacerbate headache symptoms in children with brain cancer.
Vomiting
Brain cancer can cause upset stomach symptoms in affected children. Vomiting typically occurs in conjunction with headache symptoms. A parent or caregiver may notice that her child frequently vomits when he wakes up in the morning, reports the National Brain Tumor Society. Affected children may feel temporary relief from headache symptoms after vomiting.
Vision Alterations
A cancerous brain tumor can disrupt signal transmission along the optic nerve or eye nerve. Consequently, children with brain cancer can develop vision alterations as symptoms of disease. An affected child may complain that her vision is blurry or that her surroundings appear fuzzy. Certain children can experience vision loss within one or both eyes, reports MedlinePlus. Any vision changes should be discussed with a medical professional immediately.
Seizures
Tumor growth within a child's brain can interfere with normal electrical signaling through the brain. Poor electrical signaling in the brain can cause seizure symptoms in affected children. Children with brain cancer can experience speech problems, difficulty concentrating or unusual changes in personality or behavior, says PennState Children's Hospital. Seizures can also be accompanied by involuntary body movements and loss of consciousness. A child who develops seizure symptoms should receive prompt care from a doctor.
Fatigue
Increased fatigue or lethargy can occur as symptoms of brain cancer in children, according to Children's Hospital Boston. A parent or caregiver can notice that his child sleeps for longer periods of time during the day or goes to bed at night without complaint. Affected children may also appear inattentive or disoriented during the day due to fatigue symptoms.
