Headaches and seizures are indeed common brain tumor symptoms. However, it’s crucial to understand that these symptoms can also stem from various other medical conditions. This often leaves individuals wondering: how can you differentiate when a symptom might be indicative of a brain tumor, and when should you seek medical advice?
To provide clarity, we consulted with neuro-oncologist Dr. Shiao-Pei Weathers and drew insights from the experiences of four brain tumor survivors. They graciously shared their initial symptoms and the pivotal moments that prompted them to consult a doctor.
The Unmistakable Headache: More Than Just a Pain
Shelby Espinosa, a young bride-to-be, was no stranger to headaches, often attributed to back pain. However, at 22, she experienced a headache so excruciating it halted her mid-sentence.
“I had to stop talking and just hold my head,” Shelby vividly recalls. “The intensity was overwhelming, making it impossible to think or respond. The pain was intermittent, but the headache persisted for three long days.”
Notably, her back pain had subsided, signaling that this headache was different. Heeding the advice of her mother and fiancé, Shelby sought help at the emergency room. A CT scan unveiled a kiwi-sized tumor pressing against her brainstem. Subsequent surgery removed the mass, and a biopsy confirmed it to be medulloblastoma, a type of brain tumor.
Dr. Weathers emphasizes the distinctive nature of brain tumor-related headaches. “Headaches that signal a brain tumor often feel markedly different from any headache experienced before,” she explains. “Individuals with chronic migraines are accustomed to headaches, but these episodes typically maintain a familiar pattern.”
It’s advisable to consult a doctor if you have a history of headaches and suddenly develop a new, unfamiliar type. Warning signs associated with brain tumor headaches include:
- Headaches that awaken you from sleep
- Increased severity in the morning
- Worsening pain when lying down
- Persistent nausea and vomiting
“Other concerning indicators include headaches that linger for days or weeks, particularly if you rarely experience them, or headaches accompanied by new symptoms like weakness, numbness, tingling, or visual disturbances,” Dr. Weathers adds.
Sean O’Brien’s experience underscores this point. Diagnosed with juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma at 20, Sean had endured headaches for years, initially dismissing them due to a family history of migraines and allergies. However, the headaches intensified during his sophomore year of college.
“The headache became so unbearable that I sought medical attention on campus,” Sean remembers. “They attributed it to over-exhaustion and recommended rest. Initially, I did feel some relief.”
However, more symptoms emerged. Sean developed insomnia and experienced transient vision loss, where his sight would momentarily disappear and then return, occurring multiple times daily.
“Finally, I shared my concerns with my parents, who arranged for a doctor’s visit during Thanksgiving break,” Sean recounts. “The doctor discovered fluid accumulation in my brain, and subsequent scans revealed a brain tumor.”
Seizures: When Your Body Sends an Urgent Message
Colin Clarke’s first indication of a brain tumor came unexpectedly during a soccer game. He suddenly felt facial numbness on his left side, beneath his eye. Moments later, it recurred, followed by unconsciousness.
“The next thing I knew, I was on a gurney, being placed in an ambulance,” says Colin, who was 45 at the time. “I was unaware I had experienced a seizure; I thought I had simply headed the soccer ball too hard! But I was informed that I had multiple seizures in the ambulance.”
Colin was subsequently diagnosed with grade II oligodendroglioma.
“A seizure is your body’s way of signaling a medical issue. It can sometimes be the first sign of a previously undetected brain tumor,” explains Dr. Weathers. “However, it’s important to remember that seizures don’t always indicate a brain tumor. Anyone can experience a seizure under certain conditions, such as severely low sodium levels. Individual seizure thresholds vary.”
Chris Cook, 39, experienced a peculiar metallic taste in his mouth on two separate occasions. Subtle and sudden, he initially attributed it to old dental cavities. Two weeks later, the metallic taste returned while he was running with his dog, accompanied by faintness and then loss of consciousness.
“I awoke to my dog standing guard, first responders, and kind strangers who had called for help,” Chris recalls. “I was disoriented and struggled to speak coherently. After a few minutes, my thoughts cleared, but I remained verballyExpressive until I was in the ambulance.”
A neurologist diagnosed Chris with glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain tumor.
“Many people associate seizures with full-body stiffening, jerking, and loss of consciousness, largely due to media portrayals,” Dr. Weathers clarifies. “However, seizures manifest in diverse ways. They can present as flashes of colored lights, stiffening or jerking of the face, arm, or leg, or episodes of sudden confusion or speech difficulty. Unusual and often unpleasant smells or tastes can also be seizure symptoms. Typically, seizures tend to recur in a consistent manner for each individual.”
If you experience a seizure for the first time, it’s imperative to seek medical attention.
“While it might not signify a brain tumor, it could indicate an underlying health issue,” Dr. Weathers advises. “A seizure is a warning sign prompting medical evaluation.”
Symptoms Vary Depending on Brain Tumor Location
The nature and intensity of brain tumor symptoms are significantly influenced by the tumor’s location within the brain.
Dr. Weathers categorizes brain tumor symptoms into two groups: global and focal. Global symptoms are general indicators of something growing in the brain, causing increased pressure. Focal symptoms, conversely, provide clues about the tumor’s likely location.
“A persistent headache lasting weeks, accompanied by nausea or vomiting, is considered a global symptom,” Dr. Weathers explains. “Any growth within the brain, if it becomes sufficiently large, can cause headaches due to pressure. However, this symptom alone doesn’t pinpoint the tumor’s exact location.”
Focal symptoms, on the other hand, are location-specific. Depending on the tumor’s position, individuals may experience:
- Speech difficulties or comprehension problems
- Vision changes, such as visual field deficits or double vision
- Weakness in the face, arm, or leg
- Numbness or tingling in the face, arm, or leg
- Hearing loss
- Difficulty swallowing
- Slurred speech
Data suggests a correlation between certain symptoms and specific brain tumor types.
“While not absolute, seizures are observed more frequently in patients with oligodendrogliomas compared to those with astrocytomas,” notes Dr. Weathers.
Bottom Line: Seek Medical Attention for New or Unusual Symptoms
Brain tumor symptoms can be subtle, like minor vision changes, or more urgent, such as a first-time seizure.
“Whether you visit the emergency room or schedule an appointment with your primary care physician depends on the severity of your symptoms and your overall well-being,” advises Dr. Weathers. “If you or a family member are concerned about a new or different symptom, it’s always prudent to err on the side of caution. Brain tumor symptoms can mimic other medical conditions, making it essential to consult a doctor for proper evaluation.”
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