Brain Tumors
Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms are caused by damage to tissue and pressure on the brain as the tumor grows within the limited space inside the skull.

Symptoms also may arise because of edema, a buildup of fluid around the tumor, or due to hydrocephalus, which occurs when the tumor blocks the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and causes a buildup in the ventricles, or cavities of the brain.

The most frequent symptoms are:

• Headaches that tend to be worse in the morning and ease during the day
• Seizures or convulsions
• Nausea or vomiting
• Weakness or loss of feeling in the arms or legs
• Stumbling or lack of coordination in walking (ataxic gait)
• Abnormal eye movements or changes in vision
• Drowsiness
• Changes in personality or memory
• Changes in speech

These symptoms may be caused by brain tumors or by other problems. A neurological exam and tests such as CT and MRI scans are necessary to confirm that a tumor is the cause.

If a brain tumor grows very slowly, symptoms may appear so gradually that they are overlooked for a considerable time. Symptoms also vary with the size and location of the tumor.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital.
Last updated July 14, 2010