The human brain is a complex organ that controls all body functions and is vital to our existence. Unfortunately, sometimes things go wrong, and brain tumors can develop. Benign brain tumors are non-cancerous growths but can still cause significant health problems. This type of tumor occurs because of abnormal cell growth in the brain that eventually forms a mass. The effects of a benign brain tumor can vary, but symptoms often depend on its size and location within the brain.
How does it feel to have a brain tumor? The severity of symptoms can range from mild headaches to more severe neurological issues. Some symptoms can be easily dismissed as a natural occurrence in the body, which makes detecting a brain tumor even harder. However, identifying the signs of a brain tumor early can save a person’s life, and it’s crucial to be mindful of early warning signals.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the different symptoms associated with a benign brain tumor, explore why they occur, and how you can identify them. You’ll learn what changes to look out for, both physically and behaviorally, and how to differentiate them from other health problems.
Symptoms of brain tumors:
1. New and persistent headaches
Benign brain tumors commonly cause new and persistent headaches, sometimes very severe. These headaches may be sudden or gradual and can be accompanied by other symptoms, such as vision problems, vomiting, or confusion.
It happens because benign brain tumors produce increased pressure on the brain or its covering, known as the meninges. This increase in pressure can cause headaches, which often feel like dull pressure or pain in the head. Sometimes, a headache may be the only symptom of a benign brain tumor. When this is the case, the headache may become more severe as the tumor grows and increases the pressure inside the skull.
2. Seizures or epileptic fits
Seizures or epileptic fits happen when a tumor disrupts normal brain activity. The seizures can be quite severe and last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. The patient may experience a feeling of fear or panic and may lose consciousness. They can also experience changes in vision, hearing, smell, or taste before and after the episode.
In some cases, seizures involve motor disturbances, such as jerking, twitching, or convulsions. They can also be accompanied by a range of physical and cognitive deficits, such as confusion, disorientation, and difficulty in speaking. Depending on the location and size of the tumor, the seizures can cause long-term cognitive impairment. The patient may also experience changes in mood and behavior and may become irritable or moody.
Seizures or epileptic fits can be frightening experiences, but with proper treatment can often be managed effectively. It’s important to seek medical attention right away in these cases because early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the frequency and severity of the seizures and can help improve the quality of life.
3. Nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness
Tumors can press on the areas of the brain that control nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness, causing these symptoms. It can also occur due to elevated intracranial pressure caused by the tumor. So, when a person experiences these symptoms, it can indicate that they have a benign brain tumor.
The experience of nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness caused by a benign brain tumor can be very unpleasant. Nausea can range from mild to severe and can be accompanied by dizziness and sweating. Vomiting can also range in severity and can be accompanied by abdominal pain. Drowsiness can range from mild to severe, making it difficult to stay awake and alert.
4. Personality changes and mood changes
A brain tumor can cause personality and mood changes due to the tumor pressing on certain parts of the brain, especially in the frontal area of the brain, where our social behavior lies. Pressure on these and other areas can cause physiological effects and trigger personality and mood changes.
It can feel like an emotional rollercoaster ride, where emotions can change quickly and drastically. It can also manifest physically in the form of headaches, nausea, and other physical symptoms described above. The exact symptoms depend on the size and location of the tumor and how much it’s affecting the brain.
5. Paralysis or weakness
Paralysis or weakness are more common in tumors pressing on the motor cortex, a part of the brain responsible for controlling movement and coordination. People with a benign brain tumor may experience a feeling of heaviness in one muscle or limb, a loss of muscle strength, or even a complete inability to move the muscle.
They may also feel a tingling or numbness in the affected area. In some cases, paralysis may be limited to one side of the face or one side of the body. The person may also experience a loss of balance, difficulty speaking, difficulty controlling their facial muscles, and even a tendency to drift to one side while walking. The severity of the paralysis or weakness depends on the size and location of the tumor, as well as the amount of pressure it exerts on the brain.
6. Visual problems
Benign brain tumors can cause various visual symptoms, including visual acuity issues or restricted visual field. It happens due to the tumor pressing on the brain’s nerves and other vital structures. Patients may find that their vision becomes blurred or they experience double vision. They may also experience a reduced field of vision or difficulty seeing in certain directions.
Due to the pressure of the tumor on the optic nerves, patients can lose a big portion of their visual field in some cases, making it difficult to perform activities of daily living. Additionally, those with benign brain tumors may suffer from eye pain, loss of peripheral vision, and difficulty focusing on objects in their visual field. Depending on the size and location of the tumor, some patients may experience vision loss immediately or over a short time.
7. Speech problems
A brain tumor may cause speech problems due to motor, coordination, or reasoning difficulties. It happens when cells in the brain grow as a mass without selling to other parts of the body. This growth can disrupt the brain’s normal functioning and cause speech-related issues. People with benign brain tumors can experience problems pronouncing words or even understanding what they hear. Sometimes, they can lose the ability to speak, resulting in a complete loss of speech.
It can also cause seizures and memory loss, indirectly affecting speech. It is important to note that benign brain tumors do not always cause speech problems, but if noticed, these symptoms should be taken seriously. Early diagnosis and treatment are key in ensuring the best possible outcome.
These speech issues are not always permanent and can be treated with the help of speech therapy and other treatments. Individuals affected by benign brain tumors can work with speech-language pathologists to overcome their communication difficulties. With the right therapeutic intervention, many individuals can regain complete communication skills.
8. Balance and walking problems
Benign brain tumors that affect the cerebellum can cause balance and walking problems. This is because the cerebellum coordinates and controls the muscles and balance of the body.
If a tumor develops in the cerebellum and is left untreated, it can cause pressure on the brain, as well as interfere with communication between the brain and the body, resulting in impaired coordination.
The individual may feel dizziness, unsteadiness, difficulty with movement, confusion, and fatigue. In addition, other neurological symptoms such as clumsiness, difficulty with fine motor skills, and tremor can also be experienced. A benign brain tumor can lead to long-term health and mobility problems if left untreated.
9. Memory loss, difficulty thinking, and other cognitive problems
Brain tumors often lead to memory loss, difficulty thinking, and other cognitive issues. These symptoms occur because these tumors can cause pressure on brain tissue and interfere with the brain’s normal functions, especially in areas where memory and other aspects of oneself lie.
Patients may experience confusion, difficulty concentrating and decreased cognitive ability. It can also cause fatigue, memory loss, and other cognitive issues. Patients may struggle to pay attention, remember information, or make decisions.
When to see a doctor?
All the symptoms described in this article should prompt you to visit a doctor immediately. Only nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness can wait if they come up without any other additional problems and if they are not severe. It is important to note that symptoms such as visual problems, balance problems, memory loss, muscle weakness, seizure, and headaches can sometimes happen in response to other issues, and that’s why diagnosing your situation is essential to find a solution suitable for you.
Treatment of benign brain tumors involves surgical resection of the mass, and doctors may also rely on medical treatment to speed up healing. However, taking a tumor sample and performing a biopsy to rule out cancer will also be required. In this case, the treatment can be more complex and may require other tools, such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy.