Symptoms and Risk Factors for Brain Tumors

Brain tumors can cause symptoms that affect many areas of the body. A patient’s symptoms often depend on what type of tumor he or she has and where the tumor is located.

It’s important to keep in mind that many of the symptoms associated with brain tumors can also be caused by other conditions.

If you are concerned that you could have a brain tumor, the best thing to do is to make an appointment with your primary care provider. He or she will be able to offer guidance or reassurance and can make referrals as needed.

What are the symptoms of a brain tumor?

Common brain tumor symptoms include:

  • Headaches, which may be worse in the morning
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Dizziness or trouble balancing
  • Fainting
  • Loss of vision or visual disturbances
  • Loss of hearing in one ear
  • Changes in personality
  • Memory loss

What are the symptoms of a spinal tumor?

Common spinal tumor symptoms include:

  • Pain in the back, especially pain that isn’t associated with physical exertion
  • Loss of sensation in other parts of the body
  • Loss of muscle control
  • Bladder and bowel incontinence
  • Weakness
  • Loss of muscle control

What are the risk factors for a brain tumor?

Most brain tumors aren’t associated with a specific cause. However, certain life experiences or genetic conditions can raise a person’s risk. These factors include:

  • Previous radiation therapy to the head
  • Neurofibromatosis types 1 and 2
  • Von Hippel-Lindau disease
  • Tuberous sclerosis
  • Li-Fraumeni syndrome