What are the common symptoms of brain tumours?
Many brain tumours do not cause any symptoms until they are very large. Some, however, produce obvious problems at quite a small size. The most common symptoms are: • Headaches. These are usually worse in the morning • Seizures or convulsions (epileptic fits). These may also result in weakness, numbness, loss of consciousness or temporary confusion • Nausea or vomiting. This is usually worse in the morning • Memory loss. Trouble thinking and remembering are common. Confusion may occur. • Personality changes • Emotional instability • Speech problems. Difficulty talking or understanding speech may occur. • Weakness of an arm, leg or both • Balance and coordination problems • Lethargy • Vision problems What signs will your neurosurgeon look for? You will be examined, depending upon your symptoms, for the following problems: • Changes in the size and reaction of your pupils • Drowsiness • Memory and other problems of mental functioning • Speech disturbance • Weakness of the limbs and/or fa
