Symptoms of Brain Tumors and Disorders

Young Adult Cancer Program

At Roswell Park, our Young Adult program offers nationally-designated comprehensive cancer care, plus support and services specifically designed to help you and your family now — and for years to come.

Learn more

Different parts of the brain control different functions of the body, so symptoms of a brain tumor usually depend on the location and size of the tumor. In one case, a young man tried to order food in a restaurant and began mixing up his words. In another case, a mother noticed that her young daughter was “walking like she was drunk,” and that she was having trouble hearing. These are just two ways in which brain tumors can affect someone.

Brain tumor symptoms may include:

  • Headaches (usually daily, and worse in the morning)
  • Nausea and 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, weakness or tingling in the arms, legs or face

In most cases, these symptoms are not caused by a brain tumor, but if you experience any of them, see your doctor.

How are brain tumors diagnosed?