In the medical world, some conditions are harder to spot and explain than others. Such is the case with brain tumors. To date, little is known about what causes certain brain tumors to form. Nor do we fully understand why certain risk factors such as age increase a person’s chance of developing one.
Regardless of how or when a tumor forms, they represent a dangerous health issue for anyone who gets them.
“There’s no more serious diagnosis in all of human medicine than a brain tumor because it not only is a medical issue that has to be treated, but it actually affects the psyche, the entire soul and personhood of a human being,” says Steven Kalkanis, M.D., chair emeritus of neurosurgery at Henry Ford Health.
Currently, there is no known way to reduce your risk of developing a brain tumor, but it is possible to remain alert and spot symptoms before a brain tumor becomes more severe.
5 Common Symptoms of Brain Tumors
Below, Dr. Kalkanis outlines five of the most common signs that indicate a brain tumor may be present.
1. You have worsening headaches.
Everyone gets headaches occasionally, but if the pain in your head increases in frequency or intensity over time, it could be a sign of elevated pressure inside the skull, which could mean something is growing inside the brain. Headaches that lead to vomiting or seizures could also indicate a serious medical issue, but it’s important to remember that the vast majority of headaches do not indicate the presence of a tumor.
2. You're experiencing weakness, numbness, tingling or balance problems.
Like headaches, many people experience episodes of weakness, numbness or tingling. Ninety-nine percent of the time, Dr. Kalkanis says, those sensations are not indicative of a brain tumor. The problem arises if episodes become worse. A tumor in the brain might make it difficult to consistently accomplish simple movements like walking or holding certain objects in your hand. And depending on where the tumor is present, a brain tumor might also cause numbness in one side of the body or one limb.
Brain Tumor Treatment at Henry Ford Health
3. Your vision is changing.
Blurry vision, double vision and extreme sensitivity to light can all be signs of a tumor. Partial or complete loss of vision is caused by a tumor in the occipital lobe (located near the back of the skull) or temporal lobe of the cerebrum (located behind the ears).
4. You're having seizures.
Seizures can happen at random without any specific trigger. When someone is having a seizure, stay with them and allow the seizure to pass. Make sure they’re still breathing and don’t put anything in their mouth.
5. You're feeling disoriented or experiencing personality changes.
When a tumor is present, your brain can’t function properly, which may lead to noticeable changes in someone's demeanor. A calm person may start behaving more aggressively. Others may get confused about where they are or who they’re with.
Although brain tumors may appear relatively frequently in the news, it’s important to remember they’re a rare condition. Bottom line: By and large, brain tumors are not an issue that most people will encounter throughout their lives. Nonetheless, knowing the signs can be helpful in getting the right care at the right time.
Reviewed by Steven Kalkanis, M.D., Executive Vice President of Henry Ford Health, CEO of Henry Ford Hospital, CEO of the Henry Ford Medical Group and chair emeritus of neurosurgery.
