There are seven symptoms of the life threatening disease brain tumor that everyone should be aware of.
According to doctoral researcher Laura Standen from the Wolfson Institute of Population Health at Queen Mary University of London, everyone experiences headaches, people sometimes forget where they placed their phone, or occasionally struggle to recall a name.
She said that in most cases these moments are harmless and result from stress, fatigue, or a busy mind, but in rare cases, such symptoms can also point to a more serious issue such as a brain tumor. In such situations, how can one differentiate between a normal headache, stress, lack of sleep, everyday distractions, or something more serious?
She explained that during her research on the early diagnosis of brain tumors, she spoke to patients who had already been diagnosed with the condition. Their experiences revealed a recurring issue that both patients and general practitioners often overlook early symptoms, leading to delays in diagnosis.
She added that previous research also confirms that people often do not take these symptoms seriously. This is a problem because if a brain tumor is not diagnosed in time, its treatment can become more complex and painful.
According to her, the symptoms of a brain tumor often resemble everyday conditions such as fatigue, stress, migraine, or menopause. They can also be similar to common illnesses like anxiety, sinus infections, or chronic headaches.
When symptoms are vague or mild, it becomes easy to ignore them or attribute them to common causes, especially in healthcare systems where getting a doctor’s appointment is difficult. She shared that one patient said people often wait until symptoms become impossible to ignore, adding that they had been experiencing symptoms for at least two to three months.
According to Laura Standen, it is important to remember that having one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have a brain tumor. However, if something feels persistently wrong or unusual, it is better to consult a doctor. In this regard, there are seven key symptoms everyone should know.
1. Difficulty finding words: Some people reported trouble thinking of specific words, forming complete sentences, or joining conversations without delay. One patient described the experience as strange and unusual but chose to ignore it.
2. Brain fog: Many patients described a general sense of mental cloudiness, including difficulty concentrating, thinking clearly, or remembering things. One person even scheduled a doctor’s appointment but forgot why they had booked it. Brain fog can have many causes such as menopause, lack of sleep, or stress, so it is important to pay attention to it.
3. Numbness or tingling: Some individuals experienced tingling or numbness that moved from one part of the body to another. Two patients reported it affecting only one side of the body, including the lower right side of the face, half of the tongue, and part of the mouth. This can occur when the part of the brain responsible for sending and receiving signals is affected. However, numbness can also result from other causes such as nerve compression, blood circulation issues, or migraine, but it should always be checked.
4. Vision changes: Changes in vision were also an early symptom. One patient experienced double vision while watching TV and assumed they needed new glasses. Another said straight lines appeared curved, making objects look distorted. Vision changes can have many causes such as eye strain or migraine, but sudden or unusual deterioration, especially when combined with other neurological symptoms like headaches, dizziness, speech difficulties, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, or balance issues, should be checked immediately.
5. Poor or deteriorating handwriting: Several patients noticed a decline in hand eye coordination. One said there was a moment when they suddenly could not write properly during a meeting, and their handwriting became very poor. Minor coordination issues can be caused by fatigue or lack of focus, but persistent problems with writing, fine motor skills, or balance may indicate issues with brain function.
6. Changes in behavior or mood: Changes in behavior or mood may seem minor but can be significant. One patient attributed irritability and low motivation to fatigue and did not connect it to a larger issue, saying they felt tired and wanted to retire. Personality changes can occur due to life circumstances or stress, but sudden or noticeable changes, especially alongside other symptoms, may indicate a serious condition.
7. Headaches: Headaches are common and usually not a cause for concern. However, for some patients, the pain was persistent and severe, lasting for weeks. One patient reported that the headache lasted more than a week and occurred almost daily.
