Unfortunately, we sometimes tend to ignore important signs that might point to serious health concerns. The brain tumor is one of the latest diagnosed forms of cancer. People in potential risk groups tend to ignore the tell-tale signs that might signal a dangerous disease with possibly fatal coincidences.
Brain tumor symptoms are very dependent on their location, according to experts in the field. Every cell of the brain can form a tumor, so discovering the location of a tumor can also tell us whether it’s malignant or not. Some brain tumors can be benign, but still very difficult and stressful to treat. For this reason, always keep an eye on your own health and that of your family. Also, immediately get in touch with a doctor if you exhibit one of the following hidden symptoms of a brain tumor.
Here Are 7 Early Signs of a Brain Tumor to Never Ignore
“Too often you see someone fall, break a rib, go in to the doctor and discover a tumor.” – Elizabeth Holmes
1. Headaches
This is the most often dismissed symptom of brain cancer, just because it is so prevalent in daily life. We are used to taking a painkiller and getting on with our day. In fact, severe headaches that cause nausea, dizziness, and other symptoms are one of the most common signs of a brain tumor. Those headaches don’t respond to classic painkillers for normal headaches or migraines. So, if you have any doubts about the nature of your headaches, contact your GP and inform them so you can get the right tests done.
2. Unexplained nausea or vomiting
A stomach upset, a common symptom of a brain tumor, can often be dismissed for something like food poisoning or other generic feelings of nausea. But in fact, it can indicate a brain tumor in the part of our brain that controls our digestion. It could also mean a number of other things, so don’t ignore this issue.
3. Balance problems
Undiagnosed patients with a brain tumor often first start noticing balance problems before anything else. They start tripping for no apparent reason or misjudging the distance between objects. This is because the tumor is in the part of their brain responsible for balancing the two sides of their body and it confuses their balance apparatus. Make sure not to ignore this important symptom.
4. Personality changes
This is one of the hardest ones to diagnose because there can be a multitude of reasons why someone’s personality would change. From mental illness to pregnancy or menopause, personality changes can often be dismissed as symptoms of something else. But when combined with other symptoms, they can also signal a brain tumor. Those wouldn’t present as dramatic mood changes. Someone may experience confusion, difficulty remembering simple tasks, or recalling the names of everyday objects – also known as aphasia.
5. Seizures
Seizures are a very important symptom and one of the easiest to recognize, especially in people with no history of seizure-inducing conditions – such as epilepsy or a B12 deficiency. These episodes can be very dangerous, especially if they occur in a dangerous place like in the middle of crossing the road. They range from mild loss of control and consciousness to violent bursts of shaking. If you or anyone you know experiences unexplained seizures, visit the doctor as soon as possible.
6. Loss of sensation in limbs
Extremities are all controlled by special brain impulses that are sent to your arms and legs. If you find that you can’t move your arm or that your leg feels numb and unresponsive, do not ignore this concern. Many confuse it with normal muscle spasms or with another muscle-related injury, but the fact remains that unresponsive limbs are one of the first symptoms of a brain tumor. And many people tend to overlook this.
7. Changes in vision
Those of us born with bad vision may not pay much mind to things like your vision getting progressively blurrier. But those can be early warning signs of an untreated brain tumor. Floating spots or shapes – also known as “aura” – can also be an early sign. Many cancer patients find that after a while their vision in one or both eyes is completely gone. That would be because of the increase in intracranial pressure, which directly affects the nerves of eyesight. Go to your optician first and if there’s no understandable reason for the change in your vision, consult your doctor for an appointment with an oncologist.
Final thoughts
It’s very easy to ignore the early symptoms of a brain tumor. We all like to be positive and encourage positive thinking, and thus we try not to worry about the possibility of serious health issues. Unfortunately, more and more people in America find themselves with late-stage brain tumors that can no longer be helped. Look out for your wellbeing and that of your family. If you experience any of the warning signs of a tumor, see your doctor straight away.
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