What Symptoms Are Associated With a Brain Tumor?

A brain tumor is a mass of abnormal cells that grows in your brain. Brain tumors are relatively rare, but they affect about 700,000 Americans, and they can be life-threatening if they’re not detected and treated promptly.

The symptoms of brain tumors vary widely depending on the size, location, and type of tumor — meaning it’s not easy to determine the cause of your symptoms on your own.

As a leading neurosurgeon, David A. Wiles, MD, can help. He specializes in diagnosing and treating brain tumors for patients in Chattanooga, Bristol, Kingsport, and Johnson City, Tennessee.

Here are some possible symptoms of a brain tumor and what to do if you think you have one.

Possible symptoms of a brain tumor

Brain tumors cause symptoms depending on the area of your brain they affect. A few symptoms to watch for include: 

Headaches

Headaches are one of the most common symptoms of a brain tumor, but not all headaches indicate the presence of a brain tumor. Headaches linked to brain tumors can vary in severity, but they’re often persistent or severe. They may accompany other symptoms like nausea and vomiting.

Seizures

Seizures are another possible brain tumor symptom. Seizures can cause muscle twitching, loss of consciousness, or convulsions. If you experience a seizure, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.

Changes in Vision

Brain tumors that affect your optic nerve or visual pathways can cause vision changes, including blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision in one or both eyes. Vision changes from a brain tumor may develop slowly or appear suddenly.

Changes in Hearing

Brain tumors that affect your auditory nerve can cause hearing changes, like ringing in your ears or hearing loss. Like vision changes, hearing changes can develop slowly or relatively quickly. 

Changes in Speech

Brain tumors that affect the language center of your brain can cause noticeable changes in your speech patterns, which may include difficulty speaking or slurred speech.

Changes in Movement

Brain tumors that affect the motor cortex of your brain can cause changes in your ability to move. You might develop weakness or numbness in one side of your body or experience difficulty walking, loss of coordination, or difficulty balancing.

Other Symptoms

Other possible symptoms of a brain tumor can include extreme fatigue, memory loss, confusion, personality changes, or other changes in behavior.

What to do if you think you have a brain tumor

If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, it’s normal to be concerned about what it might mean for your health. Schedule a doctor’s appointment as soon as possible, and we can help you find the answers you need. 

Dr. Wiles takes the time to rule out any other possible conditions, then starts testing for brain tumors. He may use the following tests to identify or diagnose a brain tumor:

• MRI or CT scan to identify the location and size of a brain tumor
• Biopsy to determine the type of tumor and the best course of treatment

• Neurological exam to assess the function of your brain and nervous system

If you’re diagnosed with a brain tumor, Dr. Wiles and our team develop treatment based on the location, size, and type of tumor, as well as your overall health. A few of the most effective treatments for brain tumors include surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.

A brain tumor is a serious condition, and it’s important to act quickly if you notice any symptoms associated with brain tumors. Early detection and treatment can help to improve your chances of a successful outcome, and our team is here to help at every step.

Call our office at 423-459-9800 or request an appointment online to get started.