The National Brain Tumor Society states that brain tumors will cause symptoms according to where they are located on the brain. These symptoms can range from extremely mild to severe. This means that two people can be afflicted with a brain tumor in different locations and exhibit completely different symptoms. Brain tumors can be treated, depending on the size and metastasis. The sooner a person is treated for the brain tumor, the better. It is possible for a person to be treated for a brain tumor successfully and never have symptoms or lasting effects of the tumor.
Mild to Severe Headache
The most common early symptom patients with brain tumors complain of is headache. The University of Maryland Medical Center advises an early symptom of brain tumor will be a headache that is severe upon waking and gradually eases throughout the day. These headaches can range from a dull, throbbing headache to a severe migraine complete with changes in vision and perception. The patient will notice the headaches becoming more frequent and lasting for longer periods of time. Any time a sudden, severe headache occurs and is accompanied by vision change, bloody nose, numbness or tingling in the face or changes in muscle function, the patient should seek immediate medical attention.
Changes in Normal Behavior
The National Brain Tumor Society states that an early symptom of brain tumors is a drastic change in normal behavior. A person who was once docile and calm could become aggressive and angry. Any type of atypical behavior for a person without other explanation should be considered a symptom. A patient could suffer memory loss or inability to concentrate. This person could seem like she is having difficulties understanding her surroundings. These symptoms can be sudden or can gradually become worse. Any time there is a drastic change in behavior, medical attention should be sought.
Neurological Affects
According to Medline Plus, a common first symptom of a brain tumor is changes in sensation. A person affected with a brain tumor could begin to dislike certain foods that were once a favorite or crave inedible items, such as matchsticks or dirt. Some patients can experience phantom smells, such as smoke that isn't there. It is also possible for these patients to begin to have visual hallucinations or visual changes.
Seizures
A seizure is a disruption in the electrical activity of the brain. Some seizures are severe with convulsions and loss of consciousness while others are small and hardly noticeable. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, 50% of all brain tumor patients will suffer from a partial seizure. When the patient experiences a seizure such as this, there will be no loss of consciousness.
