7 Major Signs of Brain Tumour To Be Aware About

Changes in headache patterns, persistent nausea or vomiting, and blurred vision can be warning signs of a brain tumor that should not be ignored. A brain tumor is a mass of abnormal cells that originate from the brain's nervous tissue. It involves the uncontrolled growth of these cells, forming a tumor. Brain tumors may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), with malignant tumors growing rapidly.

Common benign brain tumors include pituitary adenoma, meningioma, and acoustic neuroma. Malignant tumors include gliomas, ependymomas, medulloblastomas, and metastatic tumors originating from cancers in other parts of the body.

The symptoms of brain tumors vary widely, ranging from mild to significant warning signs. Not all symptoms appear in every patient, as they largely depend on the tumor's location within the brain. Below are some of the most common warning signs, though most tumors present a combination of these symptoms.

# Seizures/Convulsions

A brain tumor can cause neurons to misfire, resulting in abnormal body movements. These seizures may be focal, affecting a specific area, or generalized, involving the entire body. This typically occurs when the tumor affects the parietal lobe, which governs motor functions.

# Imbalance/Giddiness

Tumors in the cerebellum, often referred to as the small brain, can disrupt balance and coordination. Located at the back of the head above the neck, the cerebellum controls the body's equilibrium. Tumors in this area can cause vertigo, dizziness, or a loss of balance. Affected individuals may sway to one side while walking or feel as if they are about to fall.

# Visual Disturbances or Hearing Loss

Blurred vision, double vision, or partial to complete vision loss may indicate a tumor in the occipital lobe, temporal lobe, brainstem, or near the pituitary gland. Tumors in these regions can exert pressure on the optic pathways, leading to vision problems. Common tumors causing such symptoms include pituitary adenomas and optic nerve meningiomas. Similarly, acoustic neuromas—tumors affecting the ear nerve—can result in hearing loss or tinnitus (a whistle-like noise in the ear).

# Memory Loss or Personality Changes

Tumors in the frontal or temporal lobes can affect memory, behavior, judgment, and speech. Symptoms may include forgetfulness, confusion, agitation, or uncharacteristic passivity. Recent memory loss is particularly common in individuals with tumors in these regions.

# Nausea/Vomiting

Although nausea and vomiting are often associated with gastrointestinal issues, persistent symptoms accompanied by projectile vomiting can signal a brain tumor. This typically occurs due to brain swelling (edema) caused by the tumor.

# Weakness in Arms or Legs (Paralysis)

Weakness, reduced mobility, or altered sensations in the limbs, particularly on one side of the body, may suggest a tumor in the frontal or parietal lobes. Patients may notice changes in handwriting or difficulty signing due to hand weakness. Tumors in the brainstem may also cause facial weakness or swallowing difficulties.

# Headaches

Brain tumor-related headaches often occur near the tumor site. Unlike typical headaches, they are persistent, lasting for days, and are frequently accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or other symptoms. Swelling caused by the tumor puts pressure on surrounding tissues, intensifying the headache, which is often worse in the morning. However, not all headaches are linked to brain tumors, as they can result from various other conditions.