According to an article written for the Childhood Brain Tumor Foundation by Melissa Singer, M.D. and Julianne Byrne, Ph.D., approximately one in every 30,000 to 40,000 children will get a brain tumor, with the greatest incidence occurring in children under eight years old. Central nervous system tumors account for three percent of malignant tumors in newborns. Knowing the symptoms of brain tumors can aid in obtaining a diagnosis quickly, which is of great importance in a child under three years of age because tumors often grow faster in younger children.
Vomiting
Cerebellar astrocytomas, medulloblastomas, and ependymomas are three of the most common types of childhood tumors. Symptoms of a tumor in the posterior fossa, the space in the skull where the brain stem is located, are related to an increase in pressure caused by the tumor. Vomiting is the most common symptom of this type of tumor. Other symptoms include tremors, low muscle tone, or shakiness. When a tumor reaches the brain stem, hearing loss and facial weakness on only one side may be evident.
Eye Problems
Tumors can occur on the optic nerve, and as a result, visual disturbances are the most common complaint. Unlike an adult, an infant cannot report these symptoms. Instead, the baby may have difficulty following toys, objects or people with her eyes. There may also be differences between the eyes, such as one eye shifting to the left or right. Tumors can also occur on the occipital lobe, the area of the brain responsible for understanding visual images and the written word. Symptoms are similar to optic nerve tumors, though seizures may also occur.
Seizures
According to the Children's Brain Tumor Foundation, tumors that originate in the cerebral hemisphere make up approximately 30 to 40 percent of pediatric brain tumors. This type of tumor commonly causes seizures and in an infant, this may be the only symptom. Arm and leg weakness is another symptom, although these symptoms are less common and more difficult to identify in infants.
Rapid Head Growth and a Bulging Fontanel
A unique attribute of an infant's skull is its ability to expand to accommodate for brain growth. As a result, if a tumor is present, it may not always cause increased pressure and its associated symptoms. Rapid head growth and a bulging fontanel, commonly known as the soft spot, could be the first signs of a tumor and warrant immediate attention, as do any of the symptoms of a brain tumor. The best hope for successful treatment is early identification.
References
- "The Epidemiology of brain tumors in children"; Singer, Melissa and Julianne Byrne;
- St Jude: Disease information: brain tumor
- American Brain Tumor Association
- "Physical Therapy for Children"; Suzann Campbell; 2000
- Children's Brain Tumor Foundation
