Brain tumors are one of the most common types of cancer diagnosed. However, many people ignore the symptoms and don’t seek medical advice until the disease is at an advanced stage.
Brain tumors can be very serious, even life-threatening. The earlier they are diagnosed and treated, the better your chances of survival are likely to be.
So how can you tell if you or someone you care about might have a brain tumor? Here’s how to spot the early signs:
- Headache
A sudden and severe headache is an early symptom of a brain tumor. While headaches aren’t uncommon, particularly if you spend long hours studying or working at the computer screen, if your headaches become more frequent or severe over time, speak to your doctor about this as it could be due to a brain tumor.
- Loss of vision or double vision
Loss of vision or double vision can also indicate a brain tumor as well as other neurological conditions such as stroke or multiple sclerosis. You might notice that colors seem duller or brighter than usual, or that some objects look out of focus or blurry. You may also see flashes of light or spots before your eyes. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately before they worsen.
- Nausea
Nausea during the day is also worth mentioning as it’s another common symptom among those with brain tumors.
- A change in your personality.
If you or someone close to you notices that you’re acting unusually, it could be a sign of a brain tumor. For example, if you’ve always been outgoing and talkative but now seem quiet and withdrawn, this could be a cause for concern.
- Motion issues
Many people with brain tumors have weakness or numbness in their limbs and problems with balance.