Signs and symptoms of brain tumours
The signs and symptoms of brain tumours vary depending on where the tumour is in the brain. They may also be caused by pressure on the brain. The skull is hard and can’t expand, so as a tumour grows the pressure within the skull can damage or destroy brain cells.
The most common symptom of a brain tumour is a headache. Headaches are often constant and usually worse in the morning. Other symptoms may include:
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muscle jerking or twitching (seizures or convulsions)
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nausea
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loss of appetite
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changes in mood, personality or ability to concentrate
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problems with memory
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changes in speech, hearing or vision
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dizziness or problems with balancing or walking
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sleeping for longer periods at night and napping frequently
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confusion, disorientation
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weakness or paralysis on one side of the body
Other health problems can cause some of the same symptoms. Testing is needed to make a diagnosis.
Last modified on:
10 December 2009
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