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10 Common Symptoms of Brain Tumour

Brain tumour symptoms can vary widely depending on the tumour’s location, size, and growth rate. Some tumours cause sudden, obvious symptoms, while others grow silently for years. Below are 10 common symptoms of a brain tumour. You might experience one or several of these. Having these symptoms does not always mean you have a tumour, but persistence or combination of these signs warrants medical evaluation.

Also keep in mind that non-cancerous (benign) tumours often cause slowly developing symptoms that may be subtle at first, whereas malignant tumours tend to cause rapidly worsening symptoms.

1. Persistent or Severe Headaches

Headaches are one of the most frequent signs of a brain tumour. In fact, about half of people with brain tumours experience headaches. These headaches tend to be persistent (not the usual once-in-a-while headache) or unusually severe. A classic brain tumour headache may be worse in the early morning or when lying down, due to increased pressure in the skull. They can even be intense enough to wake you from sleep.

Unlike migraines or tension headaches, tumour-related headaches often don’t improve much with typical pain relievers and may progressively get worse over time. They might be accompanied by other symptoms like nausea or vomiting (see below). Of course, not all chronic headaches mean a tumour – migraines and other conditions are far more common. Red flags for a tumour headache include a new headache pattern in someone who doesn’t usually get headaches, headaches that steadily worsen in frequency or intensity, and headaches with neurological symptoms (like vision changes or confusion).

2. Seizures (Fits or Convulsions)

A seizure is a sudden burst of uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain. Brain tumours can irritate the surrounding brain tissue, triggering seizures even if you have no history of epilepsy. In fact, seizures are often an early symptom: studies indicate they are the first noticeable sign in about 20–40% of brain tumour patients. During a seizure, a person might experience muscle jerking, limb twitching, loss of awareness, or convulsions (shaking of the body). Some seizures are dramatic, while others may be as subtle as a brief “blank stare” or a strange sensation.

If an adult with no past seizures has a new-onset seizure, it is a big warning sign that something is affecting the brain, and a tumour is one possibility. Seizures due to a tumour can vary depending on where the tumour is located (for example, a tumour in the frontal lobe might cause limb twitching, while one in the temporal lobe might trigger a strange smell or déjà vu feeling before a convulsion). Importantly, once a tumour is treated (surgically removed or with other therapies), seizures often improve or stop – about 60–90% of patients become seizure-free after successful tumour removal.

3. Nausea and Vomiting

Unexplained nausea or vomiting, especially when it’s persistent or occurs in the morning, can be a symptom of a brain tumour. Tumours in the brain can increase the pressure inside the skull (intracranial pressure) or directly stimulate the brain’s vomiting center, leading to these gastrointestinal symptoms. This is not the typical “ate something bad” kind of vomiting – instead, people often report sudden vomiting that may come without much nausea, or chronic nausea that isn’t tied to meals.

Brain tumour-related vomiting often happens early in the day and may temporarily relieve a headache (since vomiting can reduce pressure slightly). Children with brain tumours sometimes have intractable vomiting (hard to stop vomiting) even before other symptoms appear. Of course, many common illnesses (like flu or migraines) cause nausea/vomiting, so doctors look for a pattern: vomiting together with other neurological signs (headache, dizziness, etc.) or vomiting that is long-lasting and unexplained by stomach issues may point to a brain-related cause.

4. Vision Problems (Blurred or Double Vision)

Vision changes are another key symptom. A tumour that develops near the optic nerves or the parts of the brain involved in vision can cause a variety of visual disturbances. You might experience blurry vision, double vision (diplopia), or even a loss of vision in a portion of your visual field (for example, losing peripheral vision). Some people describe “foggy” vision or episodes of vision going black/white for a moment.

A common scenario is a tumour near the pituitary gland (such as a pituitary adenoma) pressing on the optic chiasm, leading to loss of peripheral vision in both eyes (called “tunnel vision”). Tumours in the brainstem or occipital lobe can also cause visual changes. Additionally, increased intracranial pressure can cause swelling of the optic disc (papilledema), which affects eyesight. If you suddenly start having trouble seeing clearly, develop double vision, or have difficulty seeing to the side, it could be a warning sign of a brain tumour – an eye exam and brain scan may be needed to find the cause.

5. Balance Problems and Dizziness

Difficulty keeping your balance or frequent dizziness can indicate a brain issue. Tumours affecting the cerebellum (the region at the back of the brain that controls balance and coordination) or those affecting the brainstem or vestibular nerve (balance nerve) can make you unsteady on your feet. You might feel clumsy, start bumping into things, have trouble walking in a straight line, or experience vertigo – a sensation that the room is spinning. Some people notice they now need to hold onto walls or furniture to avoid falling.

Vertigo (a spinning dizziness) is more commonly due to inner ear problems, but certain brain tumours (especially in the cerebellum or on the vestibulocochlear nerve) can cause a persistent off-balance feeling. Along with balance issues, you might also have coordination problems, like difficulty judging distance or performing fine tasks (e.g., buttoning a shirt). If you experience new balance problems, especially with one-sided weakness or other symptoms, it should be investigated.

6. Cognitive or Memory Problems (Confusion)

Brain tumours can affect your thinking abilities. You might find it hard to concentrate, solve problems, or remember things that were once easy. Some people experience confusion in everyday matters – for example, getting easily confused doing routine tasks or feeling disoriented in familiar places. Memory lapses, especially short-term memory issues (like forgetting conversations or recent events), can occur if the tumour involves areas responsible for memory (such as the temporal lobe or frontal lobe).

You may also notice slower processing – taking longer to understand information or respond. Even simple commands might become hard to follow. These cognitive changes can be subtle at first: they might be mistaken for stress or aging. However, when caused by a tumour, they usually get progressively worse. For instance, a person might start misplacing everyday objects or have trouble multitasking. If someone experiences new-onset confusion, frequent forgetfulness, or trouble with basic calculation/language skills, it could be due to an underlying brain issue. Always consider the context: changes that are gradual and worsening over months may raise suspicion of a brain tumour, particularly in combination with other neurological symptoms.

7. Personality or Behavior Changes

Sudden or significant changes in a person’s personality or behavior can be an alarming sign of a brain tumour. The brain’s frontal lobes are largely responsible for personality, behavior, and emotions. A tumour in these areas (or their connections) can lead to personality changes such as increased anger or irritability, emotional withdrawal, apathy (loss of interest in activities), or inappropriate behavior that the person never exhibited before. For example, someone who is typically calm and polite might start having angry outbursts, or a shy person might become unusually impulsive or uninhibited.

Loved ones often notice these changes: “He’s just not himself lately.” In some cases, the person may also experience mood swings or depression due to the tumour’s impact on brain chemistry and regions that regulate emotion. Behavioral changes can include loss of initiative, poor judgment, or difficulty with social interactions. Importantly, these symptoms can be subtle or attributed to other causes (like stress). But distinct, uncharacteristic behavior shifts combined with neurological signs warrant a medical check. Brain tumours in certain areas (like the frontal or temporal lobe) are notorious for causing such personality and mood alterations.

8. Weakness or Numbness on One Side

A brain tumour can cause weakness, paralysis, or numbness in a part of the body, typically on one side (left or right). This happens when a tumour affects the areas of the brain that control muscle strength and sensation (often the motor cortex or sensory pathways). You might develop weakness in an arm, leg, or both on the same side – for example, a right-sided tumour might cause left arm and leg weakness or clumsiness. Some people notice a drifting of one arm, a foot that starts dragging, or difficulty with buttons and handwriting due to hand weakness.

Numbness, tingling, or loss of feeling can also occur, either with the weakness or on its own (for instance, numbness in one face or hand). Facial numbness or weakness can happen with tumours in the brainstem or near certain cranial nerves. If you notice that one side of your body doesn’t feel as strong or sensitive as the other side, or you keep dropping things from one hand, it’s important to get it checked. While strokes classically cause sudden one-sided weakness, a tumour typically causes a gradual onset of such symptoms that progressively worsen. Over time, a brain tumour’s pressure can even lead to partial paralysis of the affected limbs if not treated.

9. Speech and Language Difficulties

Difficulty with speech or language can manifest in several ways when a brain tumour is involved. You might struggle to find the right words, slur your speech, or have trouble understanding what others are saying. Tumours in the left side of the brain (for right-handed people, this is typically the dominant side for language) – especially in areas called Broca’s area (speech production) or Wernicke’s area (language comprehension) – can cause a condition known as aphasia. This can mean trouble speaking fluently, using incorrect words, or not understanding spoken/written language.

Signs to watch: maybe you start frequently misnaming objects, speaking in halting sentences, or you find it hard to follow conversations. Some people experience slurred speech (dysarthria) as if they are intoxicated, which can indicate a tumour affecting motor control of speech muscles (such as in the brainstem or cerebellum). Brain tumours can also cause reading or writing difficulties if they affect language-processing areas. If you or someone you know develops new speech problems – for example, “mixing up words” or difficulty articulating thoughts – it should be evaluated. These issues often come on gradually with a tumour (unlike a stroke, which causes sudden language loss). Rehabilitation and therapy can help recover speech after tumour treatment.

10. Hearing Loss or Ringing in the Ears

While not as common as some other symptoms, hearing problems – especially hearing loss in one ear – can be a sign of a brain tumour. The classic example is an acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma), a benign tumour on the nerve that connects the ear to the brain. This can cause gradual hearing loss in the affected ear, often accompanied by tinnitus (a ringing or buzzing sound in the ear). You might find yourself turning your head to hear or favoring one ear during phone calls.

Tumours that affect the brainstem or temporal lobe can also cause hearing issues or auditory processing problems. If the tumour extends to the balance portion of the nerve or presses on related structures, balance issues or vertigo might occur alongside the hearing loss (hence the overlap of hearing and balance symptoms in some cases). Sudden hearing loss is less common, but a rapidly growing tumour could cause a quick decline in hearing ability. In any case, unexplained one-sided hearing loss should be investigated – often an MRI is done to rule out an acoustic neuroma or other brain abnormalities.

Diagnosing a Brain Tumour

Diagnosing a brain tumour usually involves several steps and specialists. If you have symptoms suggestive of a brain tumour, a doctor (often a neurologist) will first take a detailed medical history and perform a neurological examination. This exam checks your vision, hearing, balance, reflexes, coordination, muscle strength, and other nerve functions to pinpoint any abnormalities. Specific patterns on the exam can hint at where in the brain a lesion might be.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the brain can reveal the presence of a tumour (visible as an abnormal mass). MRI is a key tool in diagnosing brain tumours, providing detailed images of the brain’s structure.

If a brain tumour is suspected, the next step is usually imaging. A brain MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is the gold standard test to visualize brain structures and any tumours or abnormalities. Sometimes a CT scan is used, especially if MRI isn’t available or safe for the patient. These scans can show the tumour’s size, location, and effects (like swelling). In some cases, doctors will also image other parts of the body to check if the brain tumour could be a spread (metastasis) from another cancer (for example, scanning lungs, colon, or breasts if that’s suspected).

To confirm the type of tumour, a biopsy may be done. This is a procedure where a neurosurgeon takes a small sample of the tumour tissue for laboratory analysis. The biopsy can often be done during surgery to remove the tumour, or as a separate minimally invasive procedure using a needle. Examining the tissue under a microscope tells doctors whether the tumour is benign or malignant and exactly what kind of cells are involved, which is crucial for planning treatment.

Other tests might include a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) in certain situations (to check the cerebrospinal fluid for cancer cells, especially if a tumour of the meninges or brain lining is suspected), or specialized blood tests for tumour markers (though there is no routine blood marker for most brain tumours).

Important: Many of the symptoms above can also be caused by other conditions (for example, migraines, stroke, inner ear disorders, etc.). Doctors will consider those possibilities and may perform additional tests to rule them out. But if imaging confirms a mass in the brain, a definitive diagnosis of a brain tumour is made with imaging and biopsy results.

Treatment Options for Brain Tumours

Treatment of a brain tumour depends on many factors, including the tumour’s type (benign vs malignant), size, location, and the patient’s overall health. A team of specialists – typically a neurosurgeon, neurologist, oncologist, and radiation specialist – will coordinate care. Here are the common treatment modalities for brain tumours:

• Surgery (Craniotomy) – This is often the first-line treatment if the tumour is in a location that can be safely reached. The neurosurgeon opens the skull and removes as much of the tumour as possible. Removing the tumour can rapidly relieve pressure on the brain and improve symptoms. Some surgeries are done with the patient awake (pain-free) to help preserve critical functions while removing the tumour. Benign tumours can often be completely excised and cured via surgery.
• Radiation Therapy – High-energy X-rays or proton beams are used to kill tumour cells or slow their growth. Radiation is often recommended for tumours that cannot be fully removed by surgery or for malignant tumours to destroy remaining cancer cells. A specialized form called stereotactic radiosurgery (e.g., Gamma Knife) can target the tumour very precisely with minimal damage to surrounding tissue.
• Chemotherapy – These are anti-cancer drugs that can kill or stop the growth of cancerous brain cells. Chemotherapy might be given orally or via IV, and some chemotherapy drugs can cross the blood-brain barrier to reach the tumour. It’s commonly used for certain malignant brain tumours (like gliomas), often after surgery or in combination with radiation. However, not all brain tumours respond well to chemo (it depends on the tumour type and genetics).
• Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy – Newer treatments include drugs that target specific genetic mutations or pathways in tumour cells (targeted therapy) and treatments that boost the immune system to fight the tumour (immunotherapy). These are used in certain cases (for example, targeted drugs for tumours with particular molecular markers, or immunotherapy in clinical trials for brain cancer). They are generally considered when conventional chemo is ineffective or not well-tolerated.
• Watchful Waiting (Observation) – In some situations (like a very small benign tumour that’s not causing symptoms), doctors may opt to monitor it with regular MRIs rather than treat immediately. This avoids unnecessary risk from treatment unless the tumour starts growing or causing issues.

In addition to treatments aimed at the tumour itself, patients often need supportive care to manage symptoms. This can include corticosteroids (to reduce brain swelling and pressure), anti-seizure medications (to prevent seizures), and pain relievers. If a tumour causes a buildup of fluid in the brain (hydrocephalus), a shunt (drainage tube) might be placed to relieve pressure. Rehabilitation therapies (physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy) are also an important part of recovery, helping patients regain lost functions after treatment.

Benefits and Risks of Treatment

Treating a brain tumour – especially an aggressive one – can be lifesaving and significantly improve quality of life. The benefits of treatment include removing or destroying the tumour, relieving pressure on the brain, and alleviating symptoms (for example, headaches stop or seizures cease after successful treatment). Early and appropriate treatment can even cure some brain tumours or extend survival in cases of brain cancer.

However, every treatment comes with risks and side effects. Brain surgery is a major operation, and like any surgery it carries risks such as bleeding and infection. There’s also a risk of neurological complications – for example, after surgery some patients might have difficulty speaking, memory problems, or weakness, depending on what part of the brain the surgery involved. Surgeons take great care to minimize these risks (sometimes performing awake brain surgery to preserve critical functions), but they are still possible. Radiation therapy can cause side effects like fatigue, hair loss in the treated area, and, over the long term, it can affect cognitive function or damage healthy brain tissue. Chemotherapy can have systemic side effects such as nausea, fatigue, and increased infection risk; not all chemo drugs easily reach the brain, so treatment plans are carefully chosen.

It’s important to have a thorough discussion with the medical team about the expected benefits of a proposed treatment versus its risks. In many cases, the immediate risk of the tumour itself (especially if malignant or causing severe symptoms) far outweighs the treatment risks. Advances in medical technology, like targeted radiation and refined surgical techniques, have improved safety and outcomes, reducing many of the complications over time.

Cost Considerations

Treating brain tumours can be expensive, given the complexity of care required (surgery, specialized hospital care, ongoing therapies). In fact, brain tumours have one of the highest treatment costs of any cancer – studies have found the initial care in the first year averages well over $100,000 per patient in developed countries. The cost can vary widely depending on the treatments needed: a simple surgical removal of a small benign tumour might cost tens of thousands of dollars, whereas prolonged treatment for a malignant brain cancer (involving surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, rehabilitation, etc.) can run into several hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Many patients worry about the financial burden. It’s advisable to discuss with the hospital’s financial counselors or social workers about insurance coverage, payment plans, and assistance programs. There are organizations and charities that help brain tumour patients with funds, and clinical trials can sometimes cover the cost of new treatments. While cost is a practical consideration, doctors generally prioritize the most effective treatment plan for your health; if finances are an issue, don’t hesitate to speak up – there may be resources to help. Remember, early intervention might be costly, but it can also prevent complications that might be even more expensive (and difficult) to manage later.