Symptoms of a brain tumor actually depends on what part of the brain the tumor is positioned. Your central nervous system crosses near the base of your skull. If you have a tumor on the right side of your brain, your symptoms will occur on the left side of your body. If the tumor is on the left side of your brain, your symptoms will be on the right side of your body.
Headaches is one of the first major symptoms of a brain tumor. They are normally worse in the morning with dull or throbbing pain and throughout the day they improve. These headaches can wake a person up from a sleep making them feel sick and changing your sleeping position can make them worse. Sometimes vomiting makes the person feel better. The normal pain medication for headaches do not work. These headaches experienced with a brain tumor are from excess fluid, swelling and a mass.
Seizures are a widespread symptom of a brain tumor and only a few people experience one. They can be severe or you may only have muscle twitching. The severe seizures may involve convulsions and a loss of consciousness. If you experience any type of seizure, consult your doctor immediately.
Mental changes mainly with memory, speech and concentration are among common symptoms. A person with a brain tumor may seem very confused. Depending on where the tumor is positioned, a person may have severe behavior troubles. Their personality can change if the tumor is located at the parts of the brain that controls their personality. Outbursts of anger may be present. Most of the personality changes are due to the tumor growing quickly.
Focal or localized symptoms occur and can be mistaken for other problems. Ringing in the ears happen and can be mistaken for tinnitus. Hearing loss is another one that people ignore. Lack of muscle control and coordination are common with a tumor located in a certain part of the brain. Difficulty walking and balance problems can be caused by a tumor near the Cerebellum. The Cerebellum is a part of the brain that controls our motor control.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your primary care physician as soon as possible. Share all of your concerns with him and he can set up some tests to determine your problem. This does not mean you have a tumor and further testing will establish it.