Brain tumors destroy brain cells or damage them through inflammation. They can put pressure on parts of the brain or within the skull. The disruption of brain signals affects areas throughout the body. Symptoms depend on the location, size or rate of tumor growth, according to the Mayo Clinic. Primary brain tumors occur in the brain. Pituitary tumors arise at the base of the brain.
Headaches
Headaches are common symptoms of a brain tumor, though they are not a certain indication of a tumor. The headaches are worse in the morning and gradually get better throughout the day, according to the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA). They can wake a person up during sleep. Vomiting after waking up sometimes eases the headache pain or gets rid of it. But usual remedies for a headache may not help. Coughing, physical activity or doing movements such as bending or kneeling may bring on a headache. There may be a change in the pattern of headaches or headaches that become more frequent and severe, the Mayo Clinic says.
Seizures
Seizures occur when there is a disruption of normal electrical flow in the brain because of a tumor. This can result in convulsions, abnormal sensations or a loss of consciousness. Seizure effects may also include muscle twitching, numbness or tingling, jerking movements of the arms or legs, speech difficulty and unusual smells or tastes. A seizure may indicate a tumor if a person does not have a history of seizures, the Mayo Clinic explains.
Mental Disorders
A brain tumor can cause problems with memory, speech or communication, difficulties in concentrating and confusion. Changes in behavior and personality may also occur. Alertness may be affected, the New York Times reports. Difficulty writing or reading may be a sign of a tumor.
Sensory Changes
Blurred vision, double vision and problems with peripheral vision may result from a growing tumor increasing pressure in the brain, according to the ABTA. There may be eye abnormalities, such as eyelid drooping, uncontrollable movements or pupils of different sizes. Other sensory changes may include hearing loss, ringing or buzzing sounds and a loss of sensation.
Body Movements
Brain tumor symptoms may involve lack of muscle control and coordination, weakness or paralysis and balance problems, the ABTA says. Hand tremors and difficulty swallowing are sometimes evident. Loss of bladder or bowel control can also happen. Vomiting, nausea and drowsiness can accompany the symptoms.
Other Symptoms
Tumors that occur in the pituitary gland at the base of the brain can cause low blood pressure, obesity, facial changes, excessive body hair, an absence of menstruation, breast development in men and enlarged hands or feet, according to the New York Times.
