No one wants to be ill. In fact, denial is one of the main reasons why many people don’t visit the doctor or the dentist when they should. Fear is also another popular reason as people are scared of what may be found.
However, the most effective way to deal with any issue is to find out what it is. In many cases, it’s not as serious as you’re thinking and early diagnosis often makes it easier to treat the condition. If you think you may have a brain tumor or are displaying the following symptoms you should consult a reputable neurosurgeon and get yourself checked out.
What Is A Brain Tumor?
Your brain is full of cells, some of this die and are replaced regularly. However, sometimes abnormal cells grow in your brain. These are cells that should not be there and will not help the brain function. The speed at which they grow can vary wildly, it’s difficult to know how any individual will be affected.
Brain tumors can be cancerous or non-cancerous, you’ll need a biopsy to find out which you have and a scan to see if it’s possible to remove the tumor.
In their early stages, brain tumors are hard to diagnose. But, as they grow and press on your nervous system the following symptoms will become more obvious and alert you and the doctor to the issue.
Signs of Brain Tumor
It’s important to note that everyone is different. Just as the rate of growth is variable, so will the symptoms you develop. The list below is not definitive, you may experience issues not listed and you’re unlikely to have all these symptoms:
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Headaches
Headaches are generally worse first thing in the morning and will ease throughout the day. However, activity will make them worse.
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Seizures
There are many different types of seizures, these can include involuntary movements, loss of control of body functions, loss of consciousness, and even temporarily stopping breathing. You may also note a temporary loss of smell, vision, or hearing.
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Problems With Memory
Becoming forgetful often happens as you age. But, if it seems to be sporadic or rapidly getting worse you’ll need to get a specialist to take a look. It’s a sign that the brain isn’t functioning properly. This can be a result of a tumor pressing on specific brain cells.
- Nausea
- Extreme fatigue
Being tired all the time can be a nuisance and it’s a clear sign that something is wrong with your body. Although it is a sign of a brain tumor, it’s also associated with an array of other illnesses. You’ll need specialist help to find out which issue is affected you.
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Problems sleeping
If you can’t sleep night after night and there is nothing specific stressing or worrying you, then it’s a good idea to speak to your doctor and get it checked. Its usually nothing serious but it is a symptom of a brain tumor
- Inability to undertake normal daily activities, such as walking or making a coffee.
The above symptoms are general, you’ll also find that there are specific symptoms that appear near the site of the brain tumor. These include:
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Localized headaches
This can also feel like pressure in the area of the tumor without the pain of a headache.
- Balance issues
- Personality Changes
You may notice you feel more irritable, less energetic, or simply have difficulty making decisions.
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Vision Loss
This is only an issue if you have a tumor in your occipital or temporal lobe. It’s likely to come and go as the tumor grows.
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Speech issues
Slurred speech or the inability to form specific words are a sign that the tumor is in your frontal lobe.
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Inability to define touch
Instead of knowing that someone is touching your foot, you may not realize they are touching you. Alternatively, you may feel them touching you but not know where they are touching you. It can be disconcerting.
This can also be linked with a feeling of weakness in parts, or one side, of your body.
Living With A Brain Tumor
Displaying the above symptoms can lead to a brain tumor diagnosis. However, the above symptoms can also be related to many other, less serious, issues. Before you jump to any conclusions you should have yourself properly checked out.
If you have a brain tumor then there are treatment options. In some cases the tumor can be removed, in others, it is shrunk and managed. Survival rates are surprisingly high, the younger you are the better your chances.
The key is to get prompt help with the issue and to follow the prescribed treatment plan. There are plenty of resources available in your locality and online that will help you deal with the day-to-day complexities of normal living.
