What are the early signs and symptoms of brain cancer?
1. Headaches
- Description: Persistent or severe headaches that are often worse in the morning or when lying down. These headaches may not respond to typical headache remedies.
- Explanation: The headaches are caused by the pressure exerted by the tumor on surrounding brain tissues or increased intracranial pressure.
- Sources: American Cancer Society, Mayo Clinic
2. Nausea and Vomiting
- Description: Unexplained nausea and vomiting that are often more severe in the morning.
- Explanation: These symptoms are typically due to increased intracranial pressure, which affects the vomiting center in the brain.
- Sources: National Cancer Institute, Johns Hopkins Medicine
3. Balance and Coordination Problems
- Description: Difficulty with balance, coordination, and walking, which may cause frequent stumbling or falling.
- Explanation: Tumors in the cerebellum or other parts of the brain involved in movement control can disrupt these functions.
- Sources: American Brain Tumor Association, Cancer Research UK
4. Seizures
- Description: New onset of seizures or convulsions, which can vary in severity and type.
- Explanation: Tumors can irritate the brain's neurons, leading to abnormal electrical activity and seizures.
- Sources: Mayo Clinic, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
5. Cognitive and Personality Changes
- Description: Noticeable changes in memory, concentration, mood, or personality. This may include confusion, difficulty understanding or finding words, and altered judgment.
- Explanation: Depending on the location of the tumor, it can affect areas of the brain responsible for these functions.
- Sources: American Cancer Society, Cancer Research UK
Further Reading
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