The brain is a complex organ that is responsible for initiating and coordinating muscle movement, receiving and interpreting sensory input, regulating emotions, and performing cognitive functions. A tumor that presents in the brain can either originate in the brain (primary tumor) or can originate in other parts of the body and then migrate to the brain (metastatic cancer). A tumor, which is an abnormal growth of cells, can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Metastatic tumors are always cancerous. Early diagnosis of a brain tumor is associated with a greater chance for complete recovery and increased longevity. Essential for early diagnosis is that patients see a doctors who is familiar with the symptoms of a brain tumor as well as medical conditions that can have similar symptoms.
The physicians at Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics (CNSO) of Northern New Jersey have a combined 30 years of experience diagnosing neurologic medical conditions and treating brain tumors, spine tumors, and spine musculoskeletal conditions. Symptoms of these conditions can overlap the symptoms of a brain tumor which should be ruled out first. For purposes of this discussion, the focus will be on symptoms associated with a brain tumor though again, there can be other causes. Patients need the expertise available at CNSO to determine the cause of their symptoms.
Symptoms
When a tumor occurs in the brain, a variety of symptoms can develop depending on the location, size, and type of tumor. Depending upon the rate of growth and location of the tumor, these symptoms may appear suddenly or develop slowly over time.
Motor Symptoms
Tumors that occur in the areas of the brain that are responsible for initiating and coordinating movements negatively affect a person’s ability to move parts of their body. They may experience weakness in their arms or legs. This lack of coordination or weakness could occur on one or both sides of the body and could be related to either a brain or spine medical condition. A brain tumor may also cause facial weakness or difficulty performing speech tasks. Problems with balance or walking may also occur. Persistent muscles jerking or twitching is another symptom of a brain tumor but could also be caused by other neurological disorders.
Sensory Symptoms
When a tumor happens in the areas of the brain that are responsible for receiving and/or interpreting input from sensory organs, there may be symptoms that affect the way a person experiences sensations. There may be tingling or numbness in the hands, feet or any other areas of the body. Difficulty with interpreting or the loss of sensory information including vision, hearing, smell, or taste may also occur. Symptoms like blurred vision, reduced visual fields, a loss of hearing, the inability to smell, changes in a person’s sense of smell, or a change in a person’s sense of taste may raise suspicion of a brain tumor as well as may other medical conditions.
Headaches
A common symptom of a brain tumor is headaches. Although headaches are common for a lot of people, there are several symptoms of headaches resulting from brain tumors that may be a red flag. These symptoms include persistent headaches or a change in the pattern of headaches, headaches that occur in the morning or wake a person up from sleep, and headaches that gradually worsen in intensity or frequency over time. If headaches cause a person to throw up, or if the headaches are worse when you lie flat, this may also indicate a brain tumor.
Other Symptoms
Other symptoms of a brain tumor include emotional and cognitive changes. These include changes in personality, behavior, an inability to control mood swings, to concentrate, remember things, or confusion in everyday matters. If a person becomes disoriented often or has a new onset of depression or anxiety, these may be symptoms of a brain tumor. A new onset of seizures is also a symptom of a brain tumor.
Brain Tumor Treatments at Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics in New Jersey
Symptoms of a brain tumor are varied and can also be attributed to other diseases. There are curative treatments available for patients who have a brain tumor. The earlier the tumor is found, the better the prognosis and opportunity for a full recovery. If concerned about yourself or a loved one, do not wait.Make an appointment to see a neurosurgeon for a full analysis of your symptoms. The physicians at Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics of Northern New Jersey were trained at the top United States academic institutions. CNSO neurosurgeons have ample experience in diagnosing patients, treating brain tumors, or spine tumors as well as other neurological or musculoskeletal conditions. CNSO is available for any concerned patient.
