The first symptoms reported by brain tumor patients vary significantly depending on the tumor size and location. Hence, such symptoms as headache, nausea and vomiting are common regardless of the tumor location in the brain. Unfortunately, all of these symptoms are frequent in many other conditions as well. Brain tumor symptoms are typically caused by the pressure the growing tumor causes.
Headaches
Approximately 30 percent of brain tumor patients report having a severe headache, prompting them to look for help, according to CancerHelp UK. Headaches caused by brain tumors typically are worse in the morning and tend to become more severe over time. Also, when lying down or doing anything that increases the pressure in the head -- such as coughing or sneezing -- the headaches tend to get worse. It is common for patients to experience nausea with the headaches.
Seizures
Approximately 25 percent of brain tumor patients schedule their first appointment with a physician after they have had a seizure, notes CancerHelp UK. The seizure may be manifested in the whole body, or only a small part of the body may be affected. Seizures are among the most common brain tumor symptoms. Epileptic medications are commonly prescribed to treat seizures, and the seizures may continue after a successful brain tumor operation because of scarring remaining after the operation.
Cognitive, Vision and Coordination Symptoms
Patients who have a frontal or parietal lobe tumor suffer from different cognitive symptoms. These symptoms differ significantly depending on the location of the tumor. Among the most common cognitive symptoms are memory and learning disabilities. Patients may also have difficulties understanding or speaking, especially if the tumor is located in the left hemisphere. Some people experience changes in their personalities and may feel aggressive and hostile. Patients who have a tumor in the occipital lobe may have blurred vision. A tumor in the cerebellum may cause poor coordination.
