There are two common types of brain tumors. A primary brain tumor is a mass of abnormal cells that begins in the brain, while a secondary brain tumor develops in another region of the body and spreads, or metastasizes, to the brain, according to the National Cancer Institute. Both tumors often present in similar fashion. Symptoms of brain tumors often develop slowly, and a person might not develop symptoms at all until the tumor has grown very large.
Effects
There are many reasons brain tumors cause symptoms in people. Tumors can directly destroy brain cells, leaving lasting damage and causing swelling and inflammation. The New York Times Health Guide explains that this inflammation might cause pressure to other parts of the brain or increase pressure inside the skull, causing symptoms.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a brain tumor vary largely by the size and type of the tumor. Headaches are an initial common symptom, but the American Brain Tumor Association explains that unlike other headaches, brain tumor headaches are often worse in the morning, improving gradually throughout the day. A person might wake up with a headache and vomit, feeling better afterward. Headaches might worsen with exertion and do not respond to normal headache medications.
Some patients will begin to experience seizures due to a disruption in the normal electrical flow of the brain. These sudden electrical bursts can cause loss of consciousness, unusual sensations, twitching and convulsions. People might begin to exhibit personality changes or decreased mental function, including memory problems, speech and communication issues, trouble concentrating and changes in temperament, behavior and personality, depending on the tumor's location.
Complications
A person suffering from brain tumor symptoms is at greater risk for injury. Seizures that occur while driving or walking increase the likelihood of injury. There also is the possibility of a person having a permanent decrease in brain function from the tumor destroying the brain cells or from increased intracranial pressure caused by the tumor, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Treatment
Treatment often depends on the size, type and location of the brain tumor, as well as the health of the patient. If a brain tumor is located in a place where it is accessible, surgeons will often remove as much of the tumor as possible. In some cases, physicians will use radiation therapy, using high-energy particle beams to kill tumor cells, according to MayoClinic.com. Other treatments include targeted drug therapy and chemotherapy. Patients should begin to notice a reduction of tumor symptoms once the tumor has been removed or treated.
Recovery
Brain tumors often develop in parts of the brain that control speech, vision, thinking and motor skills, so it is often necessary for patients to undergo rehabilitation as part of the recovery process. Physical therapy often can help patients regain muscle strength and motor skills, and occupational therapy can help people return to normal daily activities, such as dressing and cooking. People also might need to see a speech therapist if they are having difficulties speaking.
