Most headaches, episodes of dizziness or memory lapses are caused by common conditions and are not signs of a brain tumor. However, certain neurological symptoms that are new, persistent or worsening deserve medical attention.
Brain tumors can affect movement, speech, vision, personality and other important functions. Recognizing potential warning signs and seeking evaluation early can help doctors diagnose and treat tumors sooner.
Persistent or Unusual Headaches
Headaches are one of the most common symptoms associated with brain tumors, but they are rarely the only symptom. Brain tumor headaches may gradually become more frequent or severe and sometimes are worse in the morning.
“People often worry that every headache means something serious, but the vast majority of headaches are not caused by brain tumors,” said Johnathan A. Engh, MD, neurosurgeon with Lexington Brain and Spine Institute. “What concerns us most is a headache that is new, progressively worsening or accompanied by other neurological symptoms.”
Headaches that wake you from sleep, worsen when coughing or bending over, or occur with nausea and vomiting should be evaluated by a medical professional.
Seizures
A seizure can be one of the first signs of a brain tumor, even in someone who has never experienced one before. Seizures may involve:
- Convulsions
- Staring spells
- Sudden confusion
- Jerking movements of the arms or legs
- Loss of consciousness
“An unexplained seizure should never be ignored,” Dr. Engh said. “Even a brief episode of abnormal movements, confusion or loss of awareness warrants prompt medical evaluation.”
Changes in Vision, Speech or Hearing
Depending on where a tumor is located, it can interfere with specific brain functions. Symptoms may include:
- Blurred or double vision
- Loss of peripheral vision
- Difficulty finding words
- Slurred speech
- Hearing loss or ringing in the ears
These symptoms may appear gradually and can sometimes be mistaken for normal aging or stress.
Weakness or Problems with Balance
Brain tumors can affect the areas responsible for movement and coordination. Some people notice:
- Weakness on one side of the body
- Trouble walking
- Frequent falls
- Loss of coordination
- Difficulty using a hand or arm
Symptoms that affect only one side of the body are particularly concerning and should be evaluated promptly.
Memory and Personality Changes
Family members are often the first to notice subtle changes in behavior or thinking. A person with a brain tumor may experience:
- Memory problems
- Difficulty concentrating
- Confusion
- Mood swings
- Personality changes
- Increased irritability
“Brain tumors can present in many different ways because different areas of the brain control different functions,” Dr. Engh said. “Symptoms such as memory problems, speech difficulties, vision changes or weakness should be evaluated, especially if they are persistent or getting worse.”
Nausea and Vomiting
Persistent nausea or unexplained vomiting, particularly when accompanied by headaches or other neurological symptoms, may occur when pressure inside the skull increases.
Although these symptoms are commonly caused by less serious conditions, ongoing or unexplained episodes should be discussed with a physician.
When Should You See a Doctor?
- New or unusual
- Becoming more severe
- Persisting over time
- Interfering with daily activities
- Accompanied by seizures, weakness or changes in speech or vision
Brain tumors are particularly concerning because they can affect mental abilities, movement, vision, speech and personality. Fortunately, advances in neurosurgery, radiation therapy and other treatments have improved outcomes and expanded treatment options for many patients.
If you experience concerning neurological symptoms, early evaluation can provide answers and, if necessary, allow treatment to begin as soon as possible.
Johnathan A. Engh, MD, FAANS, Lexington Brain and Spine Institute
Dr. Engh specializes in treating brain and spinal tumors and leads the Brain Tumor Program at Lexington Brain and Spine Institute.
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