From the Guidelines
Brain tumor symptoms can manifest as increased intracranial pressure, seizures, hemiparesis, monoparesis, cranial nerve deficits, ataxia, hemisensory loss, dysphasia, aphasia, and memory impairment, depending on the tumor location and patient age. According to the most recent guidelines, symptoms of brain tumors may include effects of increased intracranial pressure, such as headaches that worsen over time, nausea, vomiting, and blurred vision 1. Other presenting symptoms can be:
- Seizure
- Hemiparesis
- Monoparesis
- Cranial nerve deficits
- Ataxia
- Hemisensory loss
- Dysphasia
- Aphasia
- Memory impairment These symptoms may occur gradually and worsen over time, or occur suddenly, such as with a seizure 1. It's essential to note that symptoms can vary depending on the patient's age, with infants experiencing increasing head circumference and loss of developmental milestones, while school-age children may experience poor school performance, fatigue, and personality changes 1.
Symptoms of brain tumors can be caused by the growth of the tumor, swelling in the brain, or blocked flow of cerebrospinal fluid, leading to increased intracranial pressure 1. If you experience persistent or worsening neurological symptoms, seek medical attention promptly, as early diagnosis improves treatment outcomes. The symptoms occur because tumors put pressure on specific parts of the brain, disrupt normal brain function, or cause inflammation. Headaches from brain tumors typically don't respond well to over-the-counter pain medications and may be accompanied by projectile vomiting. Not everyone experiences all symptoms, and some tumors may not cause noticeable symptoms until they're quite large.
From the Research
Symptoms of Brain Tumors
The symptoms of brain tumors can be divided into two main categories: generalized and localized.
- Generalized symptoms are associated with increased intracranial pressure, while localized symptoms are based on the involvement of specific structures of the central nervous system 2. Some common symptoms of brain tumors include:
- Seizures, which can occur in up to 50% of patients with brain tumors 3, 4, 5
- Focal symptoms and signs, such as weakness, numbness, or paralysis, which depend on the location and rate of growth of the tumor 2
- Headaches, nausea, and vomiting, which can be caused by increased intracranial pressure 6
- Changes in personality, mood, or cognitive function, which can be caused by the tumor's location and effect on surrounding brain tissue 2
Factors Influencing Symptomatology
The symptoms of brain tumors can be influenced by several factors, including:
- Tumor location and rate of growth 2
- Lesion size and nature, whether infiltrating or causing displacement of neural structures 2
- Presence or extent of associated pathology, such as edema, hemorrhage, vascular compromise, and cerebrospinal fluid obstruction 2
- Histology of the tumor, with certain types of tumors being more likely to cause seizures or other symptoms 2, 3
Treatment and Management
Treatment and management of brain tumors and their symptoms can include: