Signs and symptoms of a brain tumour

Symptoms depend on where the tumour is in the brain and how slowly or quickly it grows. Symptoms may develop suddenly, or slowly over months or even years.

As a tumour grows, it can press on or grow into nearby parts of the brain. This can cause symptoms because it stops that part of the brain from working normally. Symptoms can also happen because the tumour is increasing the pressure inside the skull.

The following symptoms can be caused by a brain tumour. But they can be caused by other conditions too. It is important to get them checked by your GP straight away.

In the video below, brain tumour and central nervous system clinical nurse specialist Fiona Jones talks about the possible symptoms of a brain tumour.

Seizures can happen with tumours that starts in the brain (primary brain tumour) or when a cancer spreads to the brain (secondary brain cancer). There are different types of seizures.

With some seizures, you may go blank and stop responding to people around you for seconds or minutes. These are sometimes called absence seizures. Or you might notice odd smells and sensations.

Other seizures make your muscles relax and tighten so your body stiffens and jerks or twitches, or you may fall over. Sometimes people bite their tongue or cheek. You might lose consciousness or stop responding to people around you for a few minutes.

Having a seizure can be frightening for you and people close to you, especially the first time it happens. After a seizure, you may feel tired and sometimes confused for a short while. Try to rest and give yourself time to recover.

If you have had seizures, your specialist doctor will usually prescribe drugs called anti-convulsants. These are also called anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). There are different types, and some people may need more than 1 type. Sometimes it can take a while to get the right drugs or dose to control the seizures.

These treatments are usually only started if you have had seizures. But occasionally they may be suggested to help prevent seizures. For example, they may be given around the time of your surgery.

Commonly used anti-convulsants include:

• levetiracetam (Keppra^®)
• sodium valproate (Epilim^®)
• lamotrigine (Lamictal^®)
• clobazam
• topiramate (Topamax)
• carbamazepine (Tegretol^®)
• brivaracetam (Briviact)
• lacosamide (Vimpat).

It is important to take your anti-convulsants exactly as your doctor has prescribed. Some anti-convulsants make the contraceptive pill less effective so you may need to use a different contraceptive. Ask your doctor or nurse for more information.

These will depend on which drugs you take. Your doctor or nurse will explain the likely side effects to you.

If you get a skin rash when you start taking anti-convulsants, contact the hospital straight away. This can be a sign of an allergic reaction.

Side effects usually get better after the first few weeks. If they continue, tell your doctor. They may be able to give you a different drug which can improve side effects.

Different areas of the brain have different functions. A tumour may cause symptoms because its position stops a part of the brain from working normally.

The position of tumour and possible problems

Frontal lobe

• changes in personality or behaviour
• difficulty planning or making decisions
• unsteady or uncoordinated walking
• weakness on 1 side of the body
• memory problems.

Parietal lobe

• problems with speech and understanding
• difficulty writing, reading and doing simple calculations
• difficulty finding your way around
• numbness or weakness on 1 side of the body

Temporal lobe

• difficulty speaking, such as mixing up your words
• difficulty finding the words you want to say
• memory problems.

Occipital lobe

• sight problems or losing part of your vision.

Cerebellum

• poor co-ordination
• double vision or blurred vision
• unsteadiness
• slurred speech.

Brain stem

• double vision
• dizziness
• unsteady or uncoordinated walking
• facial weakness
• speech or swallowing problems.

Pituitary gland

• symptoms of changing hormone levels, such as infertility, weight gain, high blood pressure, diabetes, mood swings, irregular periods, or enlarged hands and feet
• eyesight problems, such as tunnel vision

Cranial nerves

• hearing or eyesight problems
• feeling dizzy and having problems with balance
• pain, numbness or weakness of the face
• speech or swallowing problems.

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