What are the brain tumor symptoms that you should know?
Stop spinning is my first thought. As my head comes off the pillow on waking, the light fixture above me is moving in circles. I cannot stand up without holding onto something or the merry-go-round makes me fall over. I feel sick. Sick to my stomach. Two days later, I develop my first massive headache. It was time to visit my GP. These were my first brain tumor symptoms. Although, it was often stated they were not directly related to my tumor, their appearance lead to my first CT scan which showed the presence of an unknown guest; a rare benign brain tumor called a colloid cyst buried deep in the third ventricle of my brain.
Our brains are truly wondrous organs controlling our every move and breath, cushioned inside our protective skulls with not much room to move. So when a tumor starts growing, it often pushes onto or into our brain, which can result in a multitude of symptoms, depending on where the tumor may be pressing or causing other issues.
What are some of the signs and symptoms of a brain tumor?
They can vary from person-to-person and often depend on the type, size, and/or location of the tumor whether malignant or benign (non-malignant).
– Behavioural changes
– Cognitive Changes (thinking)
– Depression
– Dizziness/Unsteadiness
– Changes in vision
– Headaches
– Seizures
– Changes in hearing
– Fatigue
– Nausea and vomiting 1,2,3
The incidence of brain tumors is not that high and therefore this list of symptoms should not immediately make you think you have a brain tumor if you suffer from them.
But as with anything in your body, if you think that any of your symptoms may be out of the ordinary, contact your local physician to get a proper diagnosis.
Strangely enough, even after brain surgery for the removal of my tumor, I still suffered from quite a few of these symptoms. My journey with a brain tumor seemed set to continue.
What signs and symptoms did you experience that lead to the discovery of your brain tumor?
For more brain tumor related resources, visit https://twosteps.ca/brain-tumors/
Information in this blog is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of physicians. All readers should regularly consult a physician in matters relating to his/her health, particularly with respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention.
References
2. http://www.braintumour.ca/2495/signs-and-symptoms
3. http://www.abta.org/brain-tumor-information/symptoms/
Thank you for creating this site. It’s helped me a lot. Everyone has such a unique story with brain tumors. It’s like no other cancer or tumor experience. After a diagnosis, it’s hard to tell someone what to expect. Reading other peoples stories help me feel like I’m not alone. Being proactive in my care I believe is why I’m still here. I was diagnosed in 2013 with a tumor on my brainstem. I had all of the above symptoms along with fevers and severe short term memory loss. I have many bumps and bruises from the falls. A shower chair has been a huge help. It all started with vomiting and fevers. I was vomiting every morning and had a daily fever. I didn’t go to the Doctor because I was afraid of a whole GI work up. It was such a general symptom and I couldn’t afford the time off of work. I had a seizure, that’s when it was seen on the MRI. It was confusing for most of the Doctors because it’s such a rare tumor to see in adults. I had to do a lot of research and “interview” a few Neurosurgeons before picking the one I trusted. He was great. It’s still there and inoperable, but we believe it’s stabilizing. I was treated with radiation for 8 weeks. Now I’m doing the best I can to manage my symptoms. Eventually the radiation will dissipate and hopefully my symptoms will too, then I can get back to my life. It’s been a heck of a ride and finding information has been a challenge. I’ve been keeping a journal as well. I started it right away. It helps to get all my thoughts and experiences out. Thank you again for creating this page. I hope to stay in contact as I’m still recovering. Cheers to you for making it through and helping so many people by sharing your story.
Thanks so much for being in touch. It sounds like you have really had a journey of note over the past years – wow! I am glad you did your research, found the right neurosurgeon for you and treatment plan to manage your tumor.
Glad to hear you find the same comfort as I do in journalling – I still journal these days, it is a great and often overlooked tool that I found through this experience. Hope your symptom management continues to improve for you.
Sending you positive thoughts. Claire