Signs and Symptoms
A brain tumour can affect how you think, feel and function, sometimes in initially subtle ways. Knowing the possible signs and when to seek medical advice can help you respond to new or concerning changes.
Overview
Many symptoms associated with a brain tumour, such as headaches, nausea or tiredness, are common and usually have another cause.
A symptom is more important to check when it is new, persistent, worsening, unusual for you or your child or occurs with other neurological changes.
Explore possible symptoms in adults and children, what patterns to pay attention to and when to seek medical help. Symptoms alone cannot tell you whether someone has a brain tumour. If you are worried, make an appointment with your GP.
When to Seek Medical Help
Make an appointment with your GP
Most headaches and many of the other symptoms described on this page are caused by conditions other than a brain tumour.
Make an appointment with your GP if you or your child has neurological symptoms that are new, persistent, worsening or concerning. Your doctor can assess the symptoms and decide whether further tests are needed.
If the situation is not an emergency but you need advice outside your GP’s opening hours, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222. Registered nurses are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call Triple Zero (000)
Call Triple Zero (000) and ask for an ambulance if:
- this is the person’s first known seizure
- a seizure lasts longer than five minutes
- another seizure quickly follows or the person does not respond for more than five minutes after the seizure ends
- the person is injured, has difficulty breathing or has a seizure in water
- the person having the seizure has diabetes or is pregnant
- there is sudden facial drooping, weakness or numbness, particularly on one side of the body
- there is sudden difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- there is a sudden severe headache, particularly with vomiting, confusion, loss of consciousness or vision changes
If you are unsure whether the situation is an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).
Understanding Your Symptoms
A brain tumour can cause symptoms by affecting nearby brain tissue, causing swelling or blocking the normal flow of fluid around the brain.
The symptoms depend on factors such as:
- where the tumour is located
- how large it is
- how quickly it is growing
- whether it is causing swelling or increased pressure inside the skull
Both non-cancerous and cancerous brain tumours can cause symptoms. The symptoms alone cannot show whether a tumour is present or what type of tumour it may be.
There is no single symptom or group of symptoms that can diagnose a brain tumour. You also do not need to experience every symptom listed on this page.
The pattern of a symptom can be more important than the symptom on its own. Speak with a GP when a symptom:
- is new or unusual for you or your child
- persists or keeps returning
- becomes more frequent or severe
- occurs with other neurological changes
- begins to affect daily activities, school, work or development
- is noticed by other people as a change in behaviour, personality or ability
It may help to keep a simple record of when symptoms occur, how long they last and whether anything else happens at the same time.
Do not delay seeking urgent help to record symptoms.
Common Brain Tumour Symptoms
Brain tumour symptoms can differ between adults and children. The following information is not a checklist or diagnostic test. Most people will not experience all of these symptoms.
Headaches
New or recurring headaches that become more frequent, worsen or wake a child from sleep. Headaches may occur with vomiting, vision changes or balance problems.
Nausea or vomiting
Repeated nausea or vomiting without a clear cause, particularly when it occurs with headaches or is worse in the morning.
Seizures
A first seizure or episodes involving unusual movements, staring, altered awareness or loss of consciousness require medical assessment.
Balance or movement changes
New clumsiness, unsteady walking, frequent falls, weakness or difficulty with coordination.
Vision or eye changes
Blurred or double vision, unusual eye movements, a new squint, difficulty focusing or an unexplained change in how the child holds their head.
Behaviour, learning or development
New irritability, unusual tiredness, personality changes, reduced concentration, a decline in school performance or loss of previously acquired skills.
Growth or hormone-related changes
Unexpected changes in growth, puberty, thirst, urination or energy levels may occur when a tumour affects hormone-controlling areas of the brain.
Other focal symptoms
Weakness, numbness, facial drooping
Headaches
A new headache or a change in your usual headache pattern that persists or worsens. A headache may be more concerning when it occurs with vomiting, vision changes, weakness, confusion or a seizure.
Nausea, vomiting or drowsiness
Repeated nausea or vomiting without a clear cause, particularly when accompanied by headaches, confusion or increasing drowsiness.
Seizures
A first seizure or new episodes involving altered awareness, unusual sensations, muscle jerking or convulsions require medical assessment.
Balance or coordination changes
New unsteadiness, clumsiness, poor coordination or unexplained falls.
Vision, hearing or speech changes
Blurred or double vision, loss of part of the visual field, hearing changes, slurred speech or difficulty finding or understanding words.
Thinking, memory or behaviour changes
New problems with memory, concentration, planning or decision-making. Other people may notice confusion, personality changes or behaviour that is unusual for you.
Hormone-related changes
Depending on its location, a tumour may affect menstruation, libido, thirst, urination or energy levels. These symptoms have many possible causes, but unexplained or persistent changes should be discussed with a GP.
Other focal symptoms
Weakness or numbness on one side of the body, facial weakness or drooping
Symptoms and the Area of the Brain
Different areas of the brain control different functions. A tumour may affect the functions controlled by the area in which it develops.
These descriptions are a general guide only. Symptoms often overlap and cannot be used to identify the location of a tumour.
The frontal lobe is involved in planning, decision-making, behaviour, speech and voluntary movement. A tumour in this area may cause personality or behaviour changes, difficulty planning, speech problems or weakness.
The parietal lobe helps process touch, sensation and spatial awareness. A tumour in this area may cause numbness, tingling, difficulty judging distance or problems with reading, writing or familiar tasks.
The temporal lobe is involved in memory, language, hearing and emotional processing. A tumour in this area may cause seizures, memory changes, difficulty finding words or changes in emotional responses.
The occipital lobe processes visual information. A tumour in this area may cause loss of part of the visual field, difficulty recognising objects or other vision changes.
The cerebellum and brain stem help control balance, coordination, eye movements, swallowing and other essential functions. Tumours in these areas may cause unsteadiness, poor coordination, swallowing difficulties or unusual eye movements.
These areas help regulate hormones, growth, puberty, thirst and other body functions. A tumour in this region may cause changes in growth, menstruation, puberty, libido, thirst or urination.
Common Questions About Brain Tumour Symptoms
Does a headache mean I have a brain tumour?
No. Headaches are common and have many possible causes. There is no single headache pattern that confirms a brain tumour.
Speak with your GP if you develop a new headache that persists, worsens, changes from your usual pattern or occurs with other neurological symptoms.
Can brain tumour symptoms come and go?
Some symptoms can come and go, particularly during their early stages. A symptom that comes and goes does not confirm or rule out a brain tumour.
Keep a record of recurring symptoms and discuss them with your GP.
Can symptoms diagnose a brain tumour?
No. Symptoms can help a doctor decide what to investigate, but they cannot confirm a brain tumour.
A diagnosis usually involves a medical history, physical or neurological examination and imaging such as an MRI or CT scan. Further tests may be needed if a tumour is found.
What should I do if someone is having a seizure?
Stay with the person and keep them safe from nearby hazards. Place something soft under their head and note when the seizure starts.
Do not restrain the person or put anything in their mouth. When the movements stop, place them on their side if it is safe to do so and check their breathing.
Follow the person’s seizure management plan if they have one. Call Triple Zero (000) when any of the emergency criteria listed earlier on this page apply.
What to Expect When You See a GP
Your GP will ask about the symptoms, when they began, how often they occur and whether they are changing. They may also ask about your health, medicines and medical history.
Depending on the symptoms, your GP may check:
vision and eye movements
reflexes
strength and sensation
balance and coordination
speech, memory or thinking
Your GP may monitor the symptoms, arrange tests or refer you to a specialist. If imaging is needed, this may involve an MRI or CT scan.
Being referred for a scan or specialist assessment does not mean that a brain tumour has been found. It means your doctor wants to understand what is causing the symptoms.
If You Have Already Been Diagnosed
This page is primarily about symptoms that may occur before a diagnosis.
If you are living with a brain tumour, new or changing symptoms may be caused by the tumour, treatment, medicines or another health condition. Follow the instructions provided by your treatment team and contact them if you notice a new or worsening symptom.
For practical guidance, visit:
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with brain cancer, support is available. Our Support Information Hub provides practical information for people living with brain cancer, carers, parents, family members and friends.
Disclaimer: All Cure Brain Cancer Foundation website content is created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should seek your own medical advice from your doctor or another qualified health professional.
References
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