Sleeping Giant: 5 Signs That You Should Be Examined for a Brain Tumor
Brain tumors can develop in people of any age. They can grow dangerous and even fatal in a relatively short period of time. The symptoms of a tumor can vary based on the specific location in the brain, but most people will experience at least one common symptom that indicates the need for further testing. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is vital to seek help since even benign, or non-cancerous, tumors can be fatal if left untreated.
1. Frequent Headaches
A normal headache can be relieved using over the counter medications. People suffering from a brain tumor may suddenly begin having headaches that don’t go away, even with pain reliever medications. While most people experience headaches at some point throughout the course of their lives, headaches from a brain tumor typically become more severe over time. Any lasting changes in the frequency or severity of headaches is a good reason to be checked out by a medical professional.
2. Changes in Personality
If friends or family who spend a great deal of time around you are noticing unexplained changes in your behavior, talking to a doctor is always highly recommended. Tumors that are located in the frontal lobe are most commonly the cause of significant personality changes because they interrupt normal function in this region of the brain.
3. Vision and Hearing Changes
Suddenly experiencing blurry vision or suddenly being unable to hear normally are both signs of a brain tumor. Several diseases are associated with changes in vision, including diabetes, so testing is vital to your health even if you don’t suspect a brain tumor is the cause of vision or hearing changes.
4. Loss of Mobility
The pathways in the brain are responsible for everything from being able to spell your name to controlling motor function. If you suddenly lose all or part of the function in one arm, you should consult your physician. You may also experience a sudden loss of balance, leading to frequent stumbling or falling.
5. Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are both signs of a brain tumor. Most people experiencing these symptoms as a result of a tumor will have symptoms early in the morning that taper off through the remainder of the day. Testing for other causes of nausea and vomiting is the first step in determining whether the symptoms are caused by another type of illness.
The fact is, our bodies usually have ways to warn us when something is out of sorts. It is important for us to be in tune enough with our bodies to recognize when these alarm bells go off. Typically, those with a brain tumor will experience more than one symptom. Headaches are the most common indicator of a brain tumor, with over fifty percent of patients diagnosed with tumors experiencing headaches. People experiencing one or more of these symptoms will need to consult a physician for diagnosis and testing.
Learn more about the symptoms of brain tumors here.