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Brain Tumor Center

Patient and Family Education

Adult Brain Tumor

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Symptoms

The following are the most common symptoms of a brain tumor. However, each person may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms vary depending on the size and location of the tumor. Many symptoms are related to an increase in pressure in or around the brain. There is no spare space in the skull for anything except the delicate tissues of the brain and its fluid. Any tumor, extra tissue, or fluid can cause pressure on the brain and result in increased intracranial pressure (ICP), which may result from one or more of the ventricles that drain cerebral spinal fluid (CSF, the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord) becoming blocked and causing the fluid to be trapped in the brain. This increased ICP may cause the following:

• headache
• vomiting (usually in the morning)
• nausea
• personality changes
• irritability
• drowsiness
• depression
• decreased cardiac and respiratory function, and, eventually, coma if not treated

Symptoms of brain tumors in the cerebrum (front of the brain) may include:

• increased intracranial pressure (ICP)
• seizures
• visual changes
• slurred speech
• paralysis or weakness of half the body or face
• drowsiness and/or confusion
• personality changes

Symptoms of brain tumors in the brainstem (middle of the brain) may include:

• increased intracranial pressure (ICP)
• seizures
• endocrine problems (diabetes and/or hormone regulation)
• visual changes or double vision
• headaches
• paralysis of nerves/muscles of the face, or half of the body
• respiratory changes

Symptoms of brain tumors in the cerebellum (back of the brain) may include:

• increased intracranial pressure (ICP)
• vomiting (usually occurs in the morning without nausea)
• headache
• uncoordinated muscle movements
• problems walking (ataxia)

The symptoms of a brain tumor may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

Diagnosis

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for brain tumors may include the following:

• Neurological Examination: Your physician tests reflexes, muscle strength, eye and mouth movement, coordination, and alertness.
  
  
• Computed Tomography Scan: Also called a CT or CAT scan, this is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general X-rays.
  
  
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): A diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.
  
  
• X-ray: A diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.
  
  
• Bone Scan: Pictures or X-rays taken of the bone after a dye has been injected that is absorbed by bone tissue. These are used to detect tumors and bone abnormalities.
  
  
• Arteriogram: Also called an angiogram, this is an X-ray of the arteries and veins to detect blockage or narrowing of the vessels.
  
  
• Myelogram: A procedure that uses dye injected into the spinal canal to make the structure clearly visible on x-rays.
  
  
• Spinal Tap: Also called a lumbar puncture, this is a test in which a special needle is placed into the lower back, into the spinal canal. This is the area around the spinal cord. The pressure in the spinal canal and brain can then be measured. A small amount of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) can be removed and sent for testing to determine if there is an infection or other problems. CSF is the fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord.

Diagnosis of a brain tumor depends mostly on the types of cells involved and the tumor location.

This page was last updated on: November 27, 2009.

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