$Unique_ID{BRK01351}
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$Title{What Are the Symptoms of a Brain Tumor?}
$Subject{brain tumor ill defined symptom symptoms cancer cancers neoplasms
tumors skull cranium pressure cranial diabetes insipidus spinal cord stem
cerebellum parietal lobe neoplasm pressures head headache headaches}
$Volume{B-1,N-1}
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Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Are the Symptoms of a Brain Tumor?


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QUESTION:  Although I now accept the fact that our bodies change as we age,
and one must learn to put up with a whole bunch of new and uncomfortable
feelings, I have developed a group of symptoms that really have me concerned.
I feel like there is a pressure inside my head, and I greatly fear that I have
a brain tumor.  I don't want to be a complete fool and visit a doctor without
reason, so would you please describe the symptoms of a brain tumor for me?
You can help me very much.

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ANSWER:  Brain tumors are extremely difficult to diagnose and part of the
reason is that the condition has no hard and fast symptoms.  Symptoms for a
brain tumor can vary depending on the size of the growth and where it is
within the brain.  In some instances, tumor symptoms may be similar to those
for a stroke or may mimic those of other conditions.  Often, symptoms come up
gradually and go unnoticed for a long time.  As the tumor grows, symptoms may
gradually get worse.
     Some tumors cause increased pressure to develop within the skull or
cranium, with symptoms of severe headaches and nausea early in the morning and
changes in vision.  However, not all tumors increase cranial pressure and not
all increased pressure is due to a tumor.
     Tumors of the brain stem, where the brain and the spinal cord meet, can
have a variety of symptoms.  The most common are vomiting for no reason and
problems with walking.  Brain stem tumors can also cause difficulties with the
face and head, such as weakness of facial muscles, difficulty in swallowing,
eye movement problems, hearing loss, head tilt, headache, and impaired speech.
Personality changes can also occur.
     Tumors that occur in the brain structures in the center of the brain
often increase cranial pressure.  If the swelling or growth affects the optic
nerves, eye movement and vision may be impaired.  The pituitary gland is in
this central region, so a tumor may change glandular functions such as growth
or cause a condition called diabetes insipidus.
     Several types of tumors in the cerebellum can increase pressure within
the skull, causing headaches and nausea.  They can also reduce coordination
and cause tremors, swaying and staggering, or speech problems.  Tumors growing
in or by the acoustic nerves, which lead to the ear, can cause symptoms such
as ringing or buzzing in the ears or dizziness.
     Some tumors of the cerebrum may cause a gradual paralysis on one side of
the body, convulsions, impaired memory and judgement, and personality changes.
Vision, smell, and hearing may be affected on only one side, and usually on
the side opposite that of the tumor.  If both halves of the brain are involved
by the tumor, changes may affect both sides.
     Tumors in the parietal lobe, which is on either side of the brain about
two-thirds back from the face, may manifest themselves as a loss of the
ability to write or read, or as a loss of the ability to recognize parts of
the body.
     Now that I've covered all that I can, you can see that the diagnosis of
your condition is impossible over this long distance.  The only path to
relieving your anxiety and fears is to take the step that leads you to your
physician.  The chances are that your fears are unfounded.  If they are
correct, your best chances for cure are in an early diagnosis.  Please see
your doctor, won't you?  He won't think you are foolish, for fears like yours
are common and understandable.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.