| | Symptoms of brain tumors are usually caused by increased pressure within the skull, and can include headaches, seizures, personality changes, nausea, vomiting and blurred vision. None of these symptoms are specific, however, meaning they may be caused by other conditions. Half of patients with brain tumors suffer headaches. Ten percent of new-onset seizures in adults are associated with brain tumors.
Headache characteristics that are associated with brain tumors include: a headache with coughing; headache that wakes a person at night; recent onset (within the past four to six months); headaches of increasing severity; headaches different in character and duration from previous headaches; and headaches with neurological symptoms. Any patient with these symptoms should have a CT scan or an MRI (see explanation of these tests in "Diagnosis" section.)
Depending on the location of the brain tumor, a person may experience neurological symptoms ranging from changes in vision to paralysis on one side of the body. These symptoms can also include personality changes and memory loss.
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