Understanding the range of symptoms that could indicate a brain tumour is essential for early detection and effective treatment. While common symptoms like headache and seizures are well-known, certain uncommon signs can also signal the presence of a tumour.
A brain tumour refers to an abnormal mass of cells that forms in or around the brain. These tumours can either be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Regardless of their nature, brain tumours can significantly affect brain function and overall health, especially if they grow large enough to compress nearby blood vessels, nerves, and tissues. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are vital for successful recovery, making it important to recognise the signs of a brain tumour. Consulting a specialist, like Dr Sunil Kumar Singh, the best neurosurgeon in Lucknow, is crucial if you notice any concerning symptoms. While headache and seizures are well-known indicators, brain tumours can also present with more subtle symptoms. Keep reading to learn about some of the less common signs of a brain tumour that you should be aware of.
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List of Uncommon Symptoms of a Brain Tumour
Here are some less-known symptoms of brain tumours.
Pain in Areas Other Than the Head
Sometimes, a tumour can reveal itself through pain, which isn’t always limited to headache. For instance, persistent, unexplained pain in any part of your face could be a sign of a brain tumour pressing on the trigeminal nerve. This nerve is responsible for transmitting sensations from your face to your brain, and pressure on it can lead to chronic facial pain.
Sensory Changes
Everyone knows that brain tumours can trigger seizures, but they aren’t always the kind that involves losing consciousness and convulsing. Some seizures cause changes in your senses like smell, hearing, taste, vision, and touch. During these types of seizures, you might remain alert, fully awake, and able to interact with others, making it difficult for anyone to notice you’re having a seizure. Additionally, sensory issues such as hearing loss and vision problems can stem not only from seizures but also directly from the tumour itself.
Poor Balance
Poor coordination and frequent stumbling or fumbling when walking, reaching for objects, or performing simple tasks could be a sign of a brain tumour. The symptoms often depend on the tumour’s location. For instance, if the tumour is on your cerebellum—the part of the brain responsible for coordinating movements—you might struggle to control your arms and legs.
Severe Memory Loss
Everyone experiences occasional forgetfulness, which is normal. However, if forgetfulness escalates to significant memory loss, it could be a sign of a brain tumour. Memory issues linked to a brain tumour go beyond typical forgetfulness and might include:
- Repeatedly asking the same question as if it’s new.
- Difficulty recalling names of common objects, such as ‘bottle’ or ‘door’.
- Inability to read or recognise words or numbers on a page.
- Forgetting how to perform everyday tasks like using a spoon or locking a door.
Impaired Cognitive Function
Brain tumours can significantly affect cognitive functions, such as reading and thinking. Some symptoms may be severe even though a person appears alert and awake. This is especially true for tumours located in the midbrain. The two hemispheres of the brain communicate with each other to perform tasks like writing, thinking, and remembering. Disruption of this communication due to a tumour can have a profound impact on cognitive abilities.
Common Symptoms of a Brain Tumour
Besides the uncommon signs mentioned above, here are some of the common symptoms of brain tumours everyone should know about:
- Severe headache, particularly the one that is worse in the morning or that wakes you up at night
- Difficulty speaking, thinking, or understanding language
- Seizures
- Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body
- Changes in personality
- Balance problems or dizziness
- Hearing issues
- Vision problems
- Facial numbness or tingling
- Confusion and disorientation
- Nausea or vomiting
Recognising the signs of a brain tumour is crucial for timely diagnosis and effective treatment. While headache and seizures are commonly associated with brain tumours, it’s essential to be aware of less obvious symptoms such as persistent pain, sensory changes, poor balance, severe memory loss, and impaired cognitive function. These subtle signs can also indicate the presence of a brain tumour and should not be overlooked. If you experience any of these symptoms or have concerns about your health, consulting a specialist is vital. Schedule a consultation with Dr Sunil Kumar Singh, the best neurosurgeon in Lucknow, via Apollo to get expert diagnosis and treatment options to address brain tumours and their effects on overall health.