Symptoms of Brain Tumors in Children
Pediatric brain tumor symptoms depend on the tumor size, type, and location. Symptoms of
brain cancer in children may be caused when a tumor presses on a nerve or damages a certain area of the brain. Symptoms may also be caused when the brain swells or fluid builds up within the skull.
Common symptoms of brain tumors in children include:
- Headaches (that are usually worse in the morning)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Changes in speech, vision, or hearing
- Problems balancing or walking
- Changes in mood, personality, or ability to concentrate
- Problems with memory
- Muscle jerking or twitching (seizures or convulsions)
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs.
Early
brain tumor symptoms in children can be vague. Therefore, it is not uncommon for a child with early symptoms to have his or her condition diagnosed as
migraines, school
phobia,
anorexia, or other common problems. People whose children have possible brain tumor symptoms should see a doctor as soon as possible, because only a doctor can diagnose and treat the problem.
Diagnosing Brain Tumors in Children
If a child has possible brain cancer symptoms, the doctor will need to perform a physical exam, ask about the patient's personal and family medical history, and recommend additional tests and procedures in order to make a brain cancer diagnosis.
Exams and tests that are used when diagnosing brain cancer may include:
- Computed tomography (CT) scan
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
- Biopsy.
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