Early detection of a malignant brain tumor is crucial. While the thought of a brain tumor is frightening, following through on that thought if you have any concerning symptoms can save your life. A malignant brain tumor that is detected earlier is more likely to be operable, which in turn translates to a better survival rate.
That means it’s also important to know which symptoms to look for, whether they’re experienced by you or a loved one. It’s not always obvious what makes a certain symptom, so we’re here to help you identify red flags that brain cancer might be a possibility.
Top Brain Cancer Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of a brain tumor depend on how large it is and where in the brain it’s located. A tumor in the part of the brain that controls movement could lead to dizziness, while a mass in the area that controls speech may lead someone to stumble over their words.
These symptoms tend to get worse over the course of days or weeks. The most common symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Memory loss
- Motor weakness (a lack of muscle strength)
- Personality changes
- Seizures
- Speaking problems
- Thinking problems
- Visual complications (including blurred or double vision)
Seizures Caused by Brain Tumors
Many people find seizures to be one of the most frightening symptoms of a brain tumor, as they’ve probably never experienced one before. Although brain tumors can cause tonic-clonic seizures (the ones characterized by losing consciousness and experiencing convulsions), they’re more likely to cause focal seizures, also known as partial seizures.
Focal seizures can cause disturbing symptoms such as:
- A feeling of having an enlarged limb
- A feeling of never having experienced familiar things before (jamais vu)
- A rising feeling within the stomach
- A spacey feeling
- A feeling you have been or done something before (déjà vu)
- A spacey feeling
- Hallucinations
- Intense emotions
- Muscle twitching or stiffness
- Not being able to speak or understand people
- Numbness, tingling or a burning sensation
- Repetitive sounds or movements
- Unusual smells or tastes
- Visual disturbances
Nationally Recognized Brain Tumor Expertise
Together, we can manage a brain tumor as a team. We’re prepared to go above and beyond, walking through all your treatment options and providing compassionate care, comfort and hope at every step. The AdventHealth Neuroscience Institute is a leader in advanced diagnostics, treatments and techniques for the whole brain.
Our experts treat:
- Brain metastasis
- Central nervous system lymphoma
- Intraventricular tumors
- Pituitary tumors
- Recurrent brain tumors
- Skull base tumors
Our multidisciplinary team includes neurosurgeons, care coordinators, specialized nurses, neuro-oncologists, neuroradiologists, radiological physicists and radiation oncologists — all skilled in next-level treatments and technologies. We’re ready to give you the expert-level care you deserve, and we’ll see you through this journey.
Visit us here to learn more. You deserve to feel whole.
