Below are ten possible early signs of a brain tumor that medical professionals say should not be ignored. These symptoms can be caused by various conditions, but persistent or worsening signs require medical attention.
1. Seizures
Around 60% of patients with brain tumors experience seizures. Depending on the tumor’s location, seizures may affect the entire body or appear as localized muscle spasms.
2. Headaches
About half of patients report frequent headaches, often without realizing they may be related to a tumor. These headaches can gradually become more intense or persistent.
3. Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting not linked to digestive problems may be associated with increased intracranial pressure. Approximately 40% of patients experience these symptoms.
4. Vision Problems
Blurred vision, distorted images, or seeing double or triple can be signs of pressure on areas of the brain responsible for sight.
5. Personality Changes
Unusual behavior, increased aggression, inappropriate reactions, or sudden changes in temperament are often noticed by family members and may develop gradually or abruptly.
6. Speech and Hearing Difficulties
Stuttering, forgetting words, incoherent speech, or sudden difficulty communicating may be signs of aphasia or dysphasia, which can be linked to brain tumors.
7. Memory Problems
Difficulty remembering people, places, or events can indicate long-term memory impairment, while forgetting recent events points to short-term memory issues. Although memory loss is often caused by other conditions, it can also be associated with brain tumors.
8. Weakness and Extreme Fatigue
Persistent physical exhaustion that does not improve with rest may occur. Patients may sleep more than usual, feel apathetic, irritable, or experience depressive symptoms.
9. Loss of Coordination
Difficulty maintaining balance, walking steadily, or coordinating arm and leg movements may indicate involvement of brain regions responsible for motor control.
10. Other Physical Changes
Tumors affecting the pituitary gland can cause hormonal disturbances, including irregular menstrual cycles, excessive breast milk production, breast enlargement in men, excessive hair growth in women, abnormal growth of hands or feet, weight gain, or fluctuations in blood pressure.
Important note:
These symptoms do not necessarily indicate a brain tumor and may be caused by other medical conditions. Only a qualified healthcare professional can make an accurate diagnosis. Anyone experiencing persistent or worsening symptoms should seek medical advice.
