A brain tumor can produce neurologic symptoms and signs in two ways. The first is by increased pressure within the skull. As a tumor grows it occupies space and causes swelling in the surrounding brain. Since the brain is housed within a rigid and unyielding skull, only a limited amount of tumor mass and swelling is tolerated before symptoms are produced. The symptoms produced by increased intracranial pressure include:
• Headaches, which are frequently described as pressure at the top of the head and behind the eyes. These are
usually made worse with exertion and are most severe at night or early in the morning.
• Nausea, which may be associated with vomiting.
• Lethargy, which may progress to the point where a patient spends most of the day sleeping.
• Confusion and disorientation.
The second category of symptoms are those that occur because of localized brain dysfunction. A tumor may invade or compress the surrounding brain. Depending on the extent or location of the tumor, the normal function of the brain at that location may be impaired. This loss of function may be noticed as numbness or weakness of an arm or a leg, loss of vision, difficulties with speech, and impaired memory and judgment. Such symptoms of neurological deficit can help to determine the location of a tumor.
• Symptoms also depend on age. Children may have vomiting, double vision, difficulty walking and poor
coordination of the arms and legs. Adults may have headaches, seizures, weakness or personality changes.
Seizures People with brain tumors often have seizures. They result when the brain is irritated, producing abnormal electrical activity locally and in the surrounding brain tissue .
