While a rare medical condition in itself, there are over 120 types of brain tumors. And unfortunately, the warning signs are numerous, ranging from no symptoms at all to highly distressing signals. How your body notifies you of a tumor will usually depend on where the tumor is, its size, and its type.
A vascular brain tumor is a type of tumor treated through houston cerebral vascular neurosurgery and caused by the excessive growth of blood vessels. This growth usually occurs in the spinal cord or brain, particularly in the cerebellum, which controls voluntary movements. Some of its symptoms include:
Sensory Changes
The cerebellum is responsible for controlling eye movements and speech. This is why a tumor in this area can cause sensory changes. Among other things, you may experience double, blurred, or loss of vision. You may also notice some changes in your sense of taste, hearing, smell, and sensation.
Per the American Society of Clinical Oncology, some of these sensory changes could result from tumor-related seizures. This type of seizure does not cause unconsciousness, and you may not know you are having one. In fact, you could remain responsive and alert except for sensory changes.
Unrelenting or Worsening Headaches
Headaches are a normal part of life, with many people getting at least one every few weeks. However, if your headaches grow increasingly intense or frequent, they could be a sign of a brain tumor. The worsening headache could be caused by increased pressure in your skull from the growth.
All that said, it is important to remember that headaches are very common and, more often than not, do not indicate a tumor. A brain tumor headache will typically last more than several days and be accompanied by vomiting or nausea in the morning.
Vomiting or Nausea
Speaking of which, brain tumors can cause nausea and vomiting, especially in their early stages. These symptoms are usually the effect of increased brain pressure or hormone imbalances caused by the tumor. However, nausea and vomiting can also indicate pregnancy, influenza, or food poisoning.
The best way to tell whether your nausea or vomiting is caused by a brain tumor is through the presentation. Brain tumor vomiting is often projectile and severe. It also typically happens early in the morning and may be accompanied by a headache.
Weakness and Numbness
Because your cerebellum controls voluntary movement, a vascular brain tumor can cause muscle weakness and numbness. This may be accompanied by a general feeling of fatigue as your body tries to fight off the tumor. Some tumors also cause tingling sensations in the limbs.
In most cases, numbness and weakness related to a brain tumor affect one part of the body. In cancerous tumor cases, these symptoms can persist as side effects of the treatment.
Balance or Coordination Problems
It only makes sense that a tumor in the part of the brain responsible for movement will cause balance and coordination problems. A vascular brain tumor can make simple activities like holding objects and walking very difficult. Moreover, you may become prone to loss of balance, changing gait, and falls.
How Will a Neurosurgeon Treat Your Tumor?
The signs of a brain tumor can also indicate other medical conditions. This is why it is always advisable to get a professional diagnosis from a neurosurgeon. If you present these signs, a specialist may scan you for other tumors and abnormalities to rule out Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome (VHL).
VHL is commonly associated with vascular brain tumors. If you have this tumor, your neurologist will usually recommend surgery to remove it if it is low-grade or benign. You can learn more about this and other treatment options by consulting a specialist today.
