Over one million Americans are currently living with a brain tumor, according to the National Brain Tumor Society. While brain tumors are often associated with seizures or severe head pain, they can also present with a wide range of symptoms — some of which are subtle and easily overlooked.
As neurologists, our team of neurology specialists knows firsthand that many neurological conditions share overlapping symptoms. If you experience any concerning symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out. The sooner you can pinpoint the source of your symptoms, the sooner you can get started on the right treatment plan here at Link Neuroscience Institute in Oxnard and Santa Barbara, California.
In the meantime, here are five subtle signs of brain tumors.
While headaches are common and usually benign, persistent or worsening headaches that do not respond to typical treatments can be a warning sign.
Brain tumor-related headaches often:
If you experience new or unusual headaches, especially if they are persistent and worsen over time, don’t try to power through on your own. Getting an accurate diagnosis — whether it’s a brain tumor or not — is your first step in finding relief.
Nausea is a common symptom of many different conditions, and it’s a lesser-known symptom of a brain tumor. Nausea and vomiting, particularly if they occur independently of any known illness or cause, can be a subtle sign of increased intracranial pressure due to a brain tumor.
This symptom is often more pronounced in the morning and may not be related to eating.
Visual disturbances can be an early indicator of a brain tumor. These changes might include blurry vision, loss of peripheral vision, or virtual auras.
These symptoms can result from pressure on the optic nerve or other parts of the brain responsible for vision. An eye specialist or your Link Neuroscience Institute neurologist should evaluate any unexplained visual changes.
Brain tumors that form in your cerebellum can affect the parts of the brain responsible for motor skills, balance, and coordination. You might experience:
These symptoms may develop gradually and can easily be attributed to other causes, so if you notice persistent changes, it's important to consider a neurological evaluation.
If your tumor forms in your cerebrum, it can affect your thinking patterns, language skills, and even your personality.
Brain tumors can also contribute to mental health concerns. The American Brain Tumor Association refers to these as neuropsychiatric symptoms. Brain tumors can contribute to anger, anxiety, delusions, hallucinations, and mania.
It’s important to remember that if you have any of these signs, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have a brain tumor. Many conditions share these same symptoms.
For example, morning headaches can be a sign of sleep apnea or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. The best thing you can do is to seek medical attention and get an accurate diagnosis. Another example is migraines, which can also cause headaches and aura.
If you have any of these symptoms, you don’t need to wait until they worsen before you seek help. Here at Link Neuroscience Institute, our team can diagnose the cause of your symptoms, whether a brain tumor or another neurological condition.
Depending on what type of tumor you have — there are over 150 different types — we may recommend surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or stereotactic radiosurgery.
Questions? Don’t hesitate to call the California location of your choice. You can also click here to request your appointment.
