Symptoms
A brain tumor can cause symptoms by invading or pressing on healthy tissue, increasing pressure inside the skull, obstructing the cerebrospinal fluid or causing brain swelling. Symptoms depend on where the tumor forms in the brain, the size of the tumor, how fast the tumor grows and the child's age and development. In general, most brain tumors can cause symptoms such as headaches, seizures, emotional changes, problems with muscle movement and coordination, problems with thinking and memory, and changes in the senses. However, the symptoms a child experiences often depend on the part of the brain affected.
Here are the main parts of the brain:
Click Image to Enlarge.
Cerebrum – The cerebrum is the large, superior part of the brain. It has two halves called hemispheres. The left hemisphere controls the right half of the body, and the right hemisphere controls the left half. The cerebrum controls emotions, thoughts, speech learning, senses (seeing, hearing, smelling, touching), and voluntary muscle movement.
Cerebellum – The cerebellum can be found beneath the cerebrum at the back of the brain. The cerebellum controls balance and coordination.
Basal Ganglia – The basal ganglia are located deep within the brain and also help control muscle movement.
Spinal Cord – The spinal cord also has nerve fibers that carry signals coordinating muscle movement, feeling and sensation, and the bladder and bowels.
Brain Stem – The brain stem can be found at the base of the brain, and connects the brain and spinal cord. It contains nerve fibers that transmit signals between the cerebrum, cerebellum, and the rest of the body. It controls basic body functions such as breathing, heartbeat and blood pressure.
Cranial Nerves – The cranial nerves come from the base of the brain rather than the spinal cord.
Here are some symptoms of tumors in different parts of the brain:
Headaches
Seizures or tremors
Nausea or vomiting
Weakness or numbness
Problems with speech and comprehension
Personality and mood changes
Distortion of vision or hearing
Difficulty thinking or concentrating
Unusual thirst or urination
Poor coordination
Facial paralysis, weakness, or numbness
Muscle pain or stiffness
Unusual sleepiness or change in energy level
