Headaches and forgetfulness are common experiences for many. While these symptoms often relate to stress or fatigue, they can sometimes indicate a more serious condition, such as a brain tumour. Understanding the warning signs is crucial for early detection, which can significantly impact treatment outcomes. Research conducted by Laura Standen, a Doctoral Researcher at the Wolfson Institute of Population Health at Queen Mary University of London, highlights recurring symptoms that patients often overlook.
Common Symptoms of Brain Tumours
Standen’s research involved conversations with patients diagnosed with brain tumours. Their insights revealed that initial symptoms are frequently dismissed, leading to delays in diagnosis. This issue is underscored by previous studies indicating that many people overlook these warning signs. Early detection is vital, as untreated brain tumours may require more invasive treatments.
The symptoms associated with brain tumours often mimic everyday issues such as stress, fatigue, or anxiety. Patients frequently report vague or subtle symptoms, which can result in them delaying medical consultations until conditions worsen. One patient recounted, “I think probably I had symptoms about certainly two or three months before.” Below are seven symptoms highlighted in Standen’s study, which may be mistaken for less serious conditions.
1. Difficulty Finding Words
Some patients experienced challenges in recalling specific words or forming coherent sentences. One individual described the sensation as “odd and out of character,” yet they chose to dismiss it at the time. It’s essential to recognize that persistent or sudden word-finding issues may necessitate further medical evaluation.
2. Brain Fog
A common complaint among patients was a sensation of mental fogginess, including difficulties in focusing and remembering. One patient, who scheduled a GP appointment, forgot the reason for their visit by the time the appointment arrived, which resulted in a missed diagnosis. While brain fog can stem from various factors, it becomes concerning when paired with other neurological symptoms.
3. Numbness or Tingling
Patients frequently reported sensations of numbness or tingling, particularly affecting one side of their bodies. One patient noted symptoms specifically in “half of my lower right side of my face and half my tongue.” Such symptoms can occur when a tumour impacts the brain’s sensory or motor control regions. Although numbness can arise from other causes, new or unilateral symptoms should prompt immediate medical attention.
4. Visual Disturbances
Changes in vision were cited as another early warning sign. One patient experienced double vision while watching television and assumed they needed new glasses. Another reported that straight lines appeared curved, leading to confusion during daily activities. Sudden visual changes, especially when accompanied by other neurological signs, should not be overlooked.
5. Messy Handwriting
Altered hand-eye coordination was a concern for several patients. One individual recalled struggling to maintain legible handwriting during a meeting, describing it as “really messy.” While minor coordination issues may arise from fatigue, a consistent decline could indicate problems in the brain’s motor control areas.
6. Personality Changes
Subtle alterations in mood or behavior can be significant. One patient attributed their irritability and decreased motivation to burnout, stating, “I didn’t really put two and two together.” While personality fluctuations are common, sudden or pronounced changes, particularly when combined with other symptoms, warrant further investigation.
7. Persistent Headaches
While headaches are typically benign, several patients reported experiencing persistent pain that lasted for weeks. One patient noted, “It was lasting over a week, and it was pretty much coming on daily.” Such unrelenting headaches should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Improving Early Diagnosis
Standen’s ongoing research explores innovative tools to aid general practitioners in identifying potential brain tumours at earlier stages. These tools include cognitive function tests, which assess memory and language skills, and liquid biopsies, blood tests designed to detect fragments of tumour DNA in circulation. Diagnosing brain tumours presents challenges due to the diverse and often overlapping symptoms with more common conditions. While the symptoms outlined here are typically harmless, any unusual or persistent changes should be addressed promptly.
The patients interviewed by Standen shared a resounding message: if something feels amiss, seek medical advice. Even if the outcome is reassuring, knowing that your health is being monitored is invaluable.
This article is based on research conducted by Laura Standen and Suzanne Scott, Professor of Health Psychology and Early Cancer Diagnosis at the Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, and is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.
