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Signs & Symptoms

Every person diagnosed with a brain tumour will have different symptoms and their own journey to a diagnosis.

 

While some people do not develop symptoms that would indicate a tumour, others may have symptoms that worsen over time eventually leading to a diagnosis. Others still may feel perfectly fine but experience a sudden onset of symptoms, such as a seizure, which leads to a quick and unexpected tumour diagnosis.

Signs and Symptoms

The following is a list of common symptoms which, alone or combined, can be caused by a brain tumour (malignant or non-malignant):

  • Behavioural changes
  • Cognitive changes
  • Dizziness or unsteadiness
  • Double or blurred vision
  • Frequent headaches
  • Hearing impairment
  • Morning nausea and vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Weakness or paralysis

If you or someone you care about experiences any of these symptoms, please consult your doctor. To read others’ first-hand experience with signs and symptoms, visit the stories section of our website.


Please note that this information is provided for education purposes only and questions about an individual’s health should be directed to your doctor.

 

Download these Signs and Symptoms as a PDF

Pediatric Brain Tumour Signs and Symptoms

Pediatric Brain Tumour Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms for children are similar to the above, but there are also other symptoms to look for, including:

  • Excessive drinking and urinating
  • Early puberty

and for infants:

  • Loss of development milestones
  • Increasing head circumference

If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, please consult your doctor.


Please note that this information is provided for education purposes only and questions about an individual’s health should be directed to your doctor.

 

Download The Pediatric Signs And Symptoms As A PDF

“At first, it just seemed like she had a really bad flu, but when the symptoms kept coming back and no one else in the house was getting sick, we knew there must be something else wrong. We also noticed that she was throwing up in the morning and was hungry after. She was also complaining of a pain in her neck. Looking back it seems obvious but at the time you convince yourself that it could be something simple.”
Karen Metcalfe, whose daughter was diagnosed at the age of four with a Pilocytic Astrocytoma
Windsor, ON