Throughout your lifetime, the risk of developing a malignant brain tumor is under 1%. Typically, symptoms such as confusion or a headache are your body’s way of alerting you to get more rest or hydrate. However, sometimes, such symptoms may signify a more serious condition. Sadly, the symptoms of a brain tumor can be as varied as the brain’s seemingly endless number of functions. For instance, if the tumor develops in the brain part that controls your vision or arms, you might experience blurred vision and limb weakness. Contact the brain cancer Tempe specialists for an accurate diagnosis and treatment of your concerns. Meanwhile, here are some of the early warning signs to look out for.
Headaches
There are numerous causes of headaches, including lack of sleep and dehydration. However, headaches may also indicate a brain tumor. Approximately 50% of individuals with brain tumors have progressive headaches. If your headache results from a brain tumor, it could worsen when you exercise, cough, switch positions throughout the day, or wake up in the morning.
Seizures
Seizures are convulsions or fits brought on by aberrant electrical activity within the brain. Seizures are typical in brain tumor patients, particularly older adults. 20-45% of patients will experience seizures throughout the condition. A seizure is frequently the very first indicator of a brain tumor.
Nearly half of all patients will experience focal seizures. These seizures impact one portion of the body, whereas the individual stays conscious. As for the other patients, they experience generalized seizures, which prompt an individual to lose consciousness.
Numbness or Weakness
A cerebrum tumor could induce paralysis or weakness on one side of your body. These concerns occur gradually with a brain tumor, while the rapid onset of paralysis or weakness in one portion of your body is characteristic of a stroke.
Nausea and Vomiting
Some brain tumors could destroy the pituitary gland, a tiny gland located near the base of the brain that controls hormone synthesis in the body. This tumor results in reduced amounts of essential hormones, including thyroid, cortisol, and sex hormones. Reduced hormone levels in the body could lead to nausea and vomiting.
Vision Issues
If a brain tumor develops in the brain area controlling vision or the optic nerve, it could trigger vision problems. Common vision issues associated with tumors include double vision, complete or partial vision loss, crossed eyes, or blurry vision.
Balance Difficulties
In or around the cranial nerves, tumors can create imbalance. Problems with equilibrium might manifest as difficulties walking, vertigo, a lack of coordination, and clumsiness.
Behavioral or Personality Variation
Medial frontal and frontal lobe structure brain tumors might alter your mood and conduct. These personality shifts could manifest as heightened hostility, abusive conduct, wrath, and anxiety.
Drowsiness
Even after adequate rest, a brain tumor could cause you to feel weak or weary. Brain cancer sufferers are extremely susceptible to fatigue. The weariness associated with brain cancer is more intense and probably alleviated by rest.
While brain cancer could be a frightening diagnosis, if you recognize the warning signs and seek treatment immediately, you can stop the disease in its tracks. The Arizona Center for Cancer Care specialists offers expert brain cancer diagnostic procedures, including MRIs and CT scans. Once your provider identifies that you have brain cancer, they will provide either chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted therapy. Arrange an appointment today to learn more about brain cancer and explore the available care solutions.