Brain tumors are the most common solid tumor among children, according to the Medical University of South Carolina Children's Hospital. Symptoms of brain tumors can vary depending on where the tumor is located, since different areas of the brain control different functions. Since there is not space in the skull for extraneous objects, many symptoms of brain tumors are due to the increased pressure in or around the brain.
Cerebrum (Front of Brain) Tumor Symptoms
The cerebrum is the front part of the brain. It controls the coordination of movement, touch, vision, hearing, judgment, reasoning, emotions and learning, according to the Medical University of South Carolina Children's Hospital. A tumor in the front part of the brain, known as the cerebrum, can cause seizures, slurred speech, sleepiness, confusion, short-term memory loss and problems walking, according to the Lucille Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford. Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) can cause headache, vomiting, personality changes, depression, irritability and nausea. Cerebrum tumors can also cause changes in vision and paralysis or weakness on one side of the body or face.
Brainstem (Middle of the Brain) Tumor Symptoms
Functions of the brainstem include eye and mouth movements, hunger, breathing and cardiac function, consciousness, vomiting and involuntary muscle movements. Tumors on the brainstem can cause symptoms such as ICP, hearing loss, double vision, endocrine problems (problems with hormone regulation), facial nerve or muscle paralysis, or an uncoordinated walk. Personality changes can also be a symptom of a brainstem tumor, as can respiratory changes.
Cerebellar (Back of Brain) Tumor Symptoms
The cerebellum is in the back of the brain and controls the coordination of voluntary muscle movements and helps maintain balance and equilibrium, according to the Medical University of South Carolina Children's Hospital. Personality changes, irritability, depression, vomiting (typically in the morning, with an absence of nausea), headache, problems with walking and lack of muscle coordination can be symptoms of tumors on the cerebellum. Other symptoms may include sleepiness and decreased cardiac functioning.
