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Which are the Most Common Brain Tumor Symptoms?

Anna T.
Anna T.

Some of the most common brain tumor symptoms include frequent headaches, hearing loss, and blurred vision. People who have brain tumors might also begin to notice that their balance is off and that they are starting to become confused over things that would not normally confuse them. Brain tumor symptoms may vary greatly depending on the size and location of the tumor. The symptoms that are typically associated with a brain tumor can often be the result of other problems, and a person who is concerned about any unusual symptoms should see a doctor immediately.

Headaches are often one of the first symptoms a person experiences. The headaches could be minimally painful to start with, increasing in intensity as time goes by. If headaches are the only symptom a person has, it is likely that he does not have a brain tumor. When there is a tumor inside the brain, other symptoms almost always accompany frequent headaches. Even if the headaches a person experiences are not the result of a brain tumor, she should still see her doctor to determine what exactly is causing them.

Brain tumors can be spotted using an MRI if they are large enough.
Brain tumors can be spotted using an MRI if they are large enough.

If a person has a brain tumor, he may also notice hearing and vision problems. Brain tumors can cause blurred vision and loss of peripheral vision. Floaters and flashing lights may also disrupt a person's field of vision when she has a tumor inside the brain. Hearing brain tumor symptoms might include ringing in the ears or complete loss of hearing in either one or both ears. If a tumor is located within close proximity to a person's eyes or ears, the vision and hearing symptoms may be worse depending on how close the tumor is to them.

Frequent headaches are one possible symptom of a brain tumor.
Frequent headaches are one possible symptom of a brain tumor.

In addition to hearing and vision problems, a person with a brain tumor might also begin to lose his balance. Running into walls and falling into objects could become a problem. Coordinated movements that used to be simple might suddenly seem complicated for no apparent reason. Additionally, people may also begin to notice changes in their speech and difficulty with recalling and saying certain words. Sudden personality changes are also one of the typical brain tumor symptoms, and a person might notice that she is incredibly angry or euphorically happy for no obvious reason.

Disorientation might be caused by a brain tumor.
Disorientation might be caused by a brain tumor.

Symptoms of a brain tumor do not always indicate that a brain tumor is present. Only a doctor can make a firm diagnosis of the presence of a brain tumor, and a person should not attempt to diagnose himself as either having or not having such a serious problem. The symptoms of a brain tumor are serious even if they are not the result of a tumor, and evaluation by a medical professional will likely be necessary if a person has these symptoms.

Discussion Comments

cookiedough

Dog brain tumor symptoms are similar to that of humans. A dog won't be able to tell you how it feels, but if it has seizures, especially after five years of age, walks as if it is drunk, is more sensitive to touch around the neck area and has vision problems, your dog might have a tumor. Dogs with brain tumors might pace or circle constantly, seem depressed and forget learned tricks. A loss of vision and general awareness on just one side of the body that causes them to run into doors or bump walls is another sign. Depending on the location of the tumor, the dog might tilt its head to the side, lean and fall to the same side of the head tilt and have an odd look in the eye.

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    • Brain tumors can be spotted using an MRI if they are large enough.
      By: sudok1
      Brain tumors can be spotted using an MRI if they are large enough.
    • Frequent headaches are one possible symptom of a brain tumor.
      By: Africa Studio
      Frequent headaches are one possible symptom of a brain tumor.
    • Disorientation might be caused by a brain tumor.
      By: Stasique
      Disorientation might be caused by a brain tumor.
    • Brain tumors can cause blurred vision and loss of peripheral vision.
      By: rob3000
      Brain tumors can cause blurred vision and loss of peripheral vision.
    • In some cases, a brain tumor can cause sudden personality changes and mood swings.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      In some cases, a brain tumor can cause sudden personality changes and mood swings.
    • Headaches, blurred vision and hearing problems could be symptoms of a brain tumor.
      By: Andy Dean
      Headaches, blurred vision and hearing problems could be symptoms of a brain tumor.