Managing Symptoms
Living with a brain tumour or brain cancer often means coping with a range of symptoms. Some are caused by the tumour itself, while others arise as side effects of treatment. These symptoms can change over time and may affect your physical health, thinking, emotions and daily routines.
Understanding Symptoms
Symptoms can feel overwhelming, but most can be managed with the right care and support. Understanding what to expect, when to seek help and how to work with your care team can make daily life feel more manageable.
Brain tumours can disrupt normal brain function depending on their size, type and location. A tumour in the frontal lobe may affect decision-making or behaviour, while one near the cerebellum may influence balance and coordination.
Treatment can also cause new or delayed changes. Fatigue or nausea might appear during chemotherapy, while radiation can affect memory or thinking months later as the brain continues to heal.
Symptoms are often grouped into a few broad areas:
- neurological symptoms, such as seizures, headaches, weakness or changes in speech
- cognitive symptoms, such as memory changes, reduced concentration or slower thinking
- hormonal or metabolic symptoms, which can occur if treatment or the tumour affects glands like the pituitary
- emotional and psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, low mood or changes in personality
Because symptoms vary from person to person, keeping a simple diary or using a symptom-tracking app can help you notice patterns and share accurate information with your medical team.
When To Seek Medical Help
Some symptoms need urgent medical attention. Call 000 or go to the nearest emergency department if you experience:
- A seizure lasting longer than five minutes, or repeated seizures without recovery in between.
- Sudden weakness or numbness in your face, arm or leg, especially on one side.
- A sudden severe headache that feels different from your usual pattern.
- Loss of consciousness, confusion or sudden difficulty speaking.
- Sudden vision changes or double
Other changes may not be emergencies, but they are still important to raise promptly with your care team. These include:
- Headaches, nausea or vomiting that continue or worsen.
- Ongoing fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest.
- Subtle changes in memory, concentration or mood.
- Unsteadiness or increased
Your care team would rather hear from you early than have you wait. Even “small” changes can sometimes signal something important.
Emotional and Cognitive Changes
Not all symptoms are physical. Many people experience changes in how they think, feel or relate to others. These may include:
- Difficulty with memory, attention or problem-solving
- Trouble following conversations or finding words
- Mood swings, anxiety, low motivation or irritability
- Changes in personality or emotional expression
These shifts can feel unsettling for you and the people around you, but they are common and often linked to changes in the brain or treatment effects.
There is support available. Neuropsychologists can assess thinking and memory, occupational therapists can help with daily routines and practical strategies, and speech pathologists can assist with communication. Counsellors, psychologists and peer groups can help you process emotional changes.
Sharing what you’re experiencing with people you trust can also help. They may already have noticed changes, and talking openly gives everyone a chance to adjust together. These changes are a result of the illness, not a reflection of your character or strength.
Practical Symptom Management
Many symptoms can be eased with a mix of medical treatment and day-to-day adjustments.
Practical adjustments at home can make daily life more manageable. Small changes often have a significant impact.
Fatigue
Pacing activities, prioritising energy for what matters most, building in rest breaks and including gentle exercise can help manage fatigue.
Headaches
Medication, hydration and rest in a quiet environment may help. New or severe headaches should be reported promptly.
Nausea and Vomiting
Antiemetic medications, small frequent meals and avoiding strong odours can reduce discomfort.
Seizures
Anti-epileptic medication should be taken as prescribed. Avoid known triggers such as sleep deprivation and follow safety precautions, including showering instead of bathing and avoiding heights or swimming alone.
Hormonal Changes
Regular endocrinology review, blood tests and hormone replacement therapy, if needed, can help stabilise mood, energy and metabolism.
Pain
Pain specialists can adjust medications or recommend strategies such as nerve blocks, physiotherapy or relaxation techniques.
To support memory and concentration:
- Use a single notebook or app to keep track of appointments, medications and questions for your care team
- Set phone alarms or use reminder apps for medications, meals and important tasks
- Place essential items like keys, glasses and wallet in the same spot every day
- Break larger tasks into smaller steps and tackle one at a time
- Write things down rather than relying on memory, even for short-term tasks
- Use a whiteboard or wall calendar in a central location for the whole household to see
To support safety and mobility:
- Rearrange furniture to create clear, uncluttered pathways
- Place essential items within easy reach to reduce bending or climbing
- Install grab rails in the bathroom and consider a shower chair if balance is affected
- Use mobility aids such as walking supports or wheelchairs when needed – these tools help conserve energy and reduce falls
- Remove loose rugs or secure them with non-slip backing
Allied health professionals, including occupational therapists and neuropsychologists, can help tailor strategies to suit your lifestyle, your cultural or community preferences, your home environment and the way your household works.