A brain tumor is an abnormal growth in your brain, and it can be benign or cancer-causing.The first step in detecting a brain tumor is to recognize the symptoms.If you think you have a tumor, talk to your doctor, who can assure you that your symptoms are normal or caused by something else; or they can refer you to a neurologist or neurosurgeon.Diagnostic tests will determine the location and type of tumor.
Step 1: You should watch for a change in your headaches.
A simple headaches isn't necessarily a sign of a tumor.People get headaches all the time.If your headaches change in intensity, that could be a sign of a problem.Over time, they may become more frequent.Maybe you're getting headaches every day, instead of a couple of times a month.If you take over-the-counter pain medications, your headaches won't improve.Lying down or bending over may make these headaches worse.
Step 2: Look for changes in your vision or hearing.
It is possible that you have blurred vision or double vision.You can't see out to the side when you're facing forward if you lose your peripheral vision.You may lose hearing in one ear if you aren't hearing as well.These symptoms can indicate a brain tumor, but they don't mean you have one, as they can also be signs of other issues.You should see a doctor if you have vision problems.It is a good idea to see an eye doctor if you have vision problems.They can give you a dilated eye exam and evaluate your peripheral vision.
Step 3: Make sure to pay attention to stomach issues.
You might experience nausea and vomiting.This symptom alone doesn't mean a brain tumor, but it may be a part of a group of other symptoms.Food poisoning, pregnant women, or a stomach bug are some of the possible causes of nausea and vomiting.
Step 4: You should look for changes in your personality.
It is possible that you will find yourself more emotional.There are many types of behavioral changes, such as emotional outbursts or a decline in work performance.Maybe you realize you're snapping at people every day, rather than just a couple of times a month.
Step 5: Check for speech problems.
When you're trying to do simple, everyday tasks, you may find yourself confused more often.You may not be able to say exactly what you mean.If you are confused, you may not notice it on your own.These symptoms are brought up by concerned family members.Having trouble concentrating and memory loss are related symptoms.When these issues are related to a brain tumor, they appear suddenly rather than gradually over months or years.You may have trouble pronouncing words.
Step 6: If you have never had a seizure before, note it.
It is possible to have a seizure out of the blue as an adult.When you're younger, most seizure disorders start.When you come out of a seizure, you may experience confusion and a loss of time.If you have a seizure that involves body movement, you may have pain in various parts of your body.You suddenly space out for a few minutes.You can also jerk your muscles.Seizures can be caused by other things.If you are trying to quit alcohol or another addiction, it can cause seizures.If you suddenly stop taking certain medications, you can experience a seizure.
Step 7: Keep an eye out for changes in your ability to feel sensations.
A brain tumor can affect your sense of touch or feeling.You may notice that your ability to feel heat, cold, pressure, or touch has changed.You may notice a loss or change in sensation in a part of your body.
Step 8: Take note of the changes in your breathing and heart rate.
Depending on the location and size of the tumor, you may experience changes in your vital signs.You may not be able to breathe or notice that your heart rate is irregular.If the tumor is pressing on the brain stem, these issues can occur.Seizures that temporarily stop your breathing are caused by brain tumors.
Step 9: Balance issues and paralysis can be observed.
Your balance can be thrown off if you have a Tumor.You may collide with things.Paralysis can be limited to one arm or leg.The paralysis will affect sensation, movement, and both.There are tumors that can cause paralysis in your facial muscles.
Step 10: If you have more than one symptom, you should make an appointment.
If you don't have a brain tumor, these symptoms could be indicative of other conditions.If you start with your own doctor, they can refer you to a neurologist or neurosurgeon.A comprehensive exam and health history can be done by your doctor.If you need to see a neurologist, they can do a basic neurological exam in their office.During the initial workup, your primary care doctor may order an x-ray.If there is evidence of a tumor on the scans, they will refer you to a neurosurgeon.
Step 11: Discuss your symptoms.
A list of your symptoms can be brought to your doctor.You need to talk about it with the doctor.It's a good idea to keep a record of how often the symptoms occur.You should keep a journal.Write down the time, date, and duration if you notice a throbbing head.Do the same for other symptoms.
Step 12: You should expect a physical exam.
Your vision, hearing, coordination and balance will be tested by your primary care doctor or neurologist.They can do tests on your reflexes and strength.The purpose of these tests is to find out where the tumor is in the brain.
Step 13: There will be tests on your brain.
You may need an injection before your test, but it is painless.Magnetic resonance scanning is the most common test used for brain scans.You are placed in a machine that takes an image and must remove any metal from your body.The doctor can inject a dye into your body to clarify the image.There is a chance that you will have a CT Scan done.The contrast material will be injected before the exam.The doctor can use this to see the blood vessels.If your doctor suspects that you have cancer that has spread through other parts of your body, they may order a PET Scan.You will be injected with a slightly radioactive material that tends to be drawn to tumors.It can provide additional information about the tumor area, even though it doesn't give as much detail as other scans.If your doctor is having difficulty determining whether the scans show a tumor or scar tissue in your brain, the PET Scan may be helpful.
Step 14: You should be prepared for scans of other parts of your body.
If your doctor thinks you have cancer, these scans will be used to determine if the cancer has spread from your brain or started somewhere else.It doesn't mean that you have cancer.Cancer can start in the lungs and move to the brain.A chest X-ray is one of the things your doctor can recommend to check for cancer.
Step 15: Ask about the procedure.
If you have a tumor, the neurosurgeon may want to do a needle biopsy.They usually use a hollow needle to take a tissue sample.It's possible that you have a tumor, but it could still be benign if your doctor does a biopsy.One of two ways the doctor will do this.If you have a sensor on your head, they can create a map of your brain to find the tumor.To figure out where they need to place the needle, they can use a rigid frame around your head.If you want to insert the needle, the doctor will give you local anesthesia or general anesthesia.They will use a drill to get through your skull.It is not always necessary for you to be awake for the procedure.
Step 16: Discuss the results of tests.
The tests will tell the doctor if a tumor is present.They will help determine if there is a tumor or not.They show the grade of the tumor.The grades for tumors are I-IV with IV being the worst.Grade I is benign and slow-growing, while grade II is slightly abnormal and may return as cancer later.There are areas in the brain that will be affected by grade III.There are dead areas in the center of grade IV and it grows quickly.
Step 17: Decide on the treatment.
The doctor will work with you to figure out how to move forward once you know the results.Treatments for tumors include surgery, radiation, radiosurgery, and/or targeted drug therapy.Don't panic.Recovering from a brain tumor is possible.You may need physical, occupational, or speech therapy after treatment to get back your lost skills.