Brain tumours cause symptoms in two ways, either because the space it takes up in the skull puts pressure on the brain, or because of where in the brain it is growing.

The brain is contained within the skull and has a fixed amount of space. If a tumour grows in the brain it will often cause an increase in pressure, which can cause symptoms to develop. An increase of pressure in the skull is called raised intracranial pressure (ICP).

The most common early symptoms of a rise in the pressure within the brain are headaches and feeling sick (nausea).

Of course, many other things can cause headaches or feelings of sickness, but if you have either of these for over a week with no sign of getting better, it is important to see your doctor.

A pressure headache may be most severe in the mornings, and can occasionally wake you. Usually this type of headache gets better during the day. However, it may get worse when you cough, sneeze, bend down or do any hard physical work. All of these tend to raise pressure in the brain.

If the raised pressure makes you sick, it may be worse in the morning than during the day. You may be sick if you have hiccups.

A later symptom of a brain tumour is drowsiness. This can happen as the pressure in the brain increases. You may find that you sleep more or that you drop off during the day when you wouldn’t normally.

As well as the symptoms described above, raised intracranial pressure can also cause changes to your sight, such as blurred vision, 'floating objects' and tunnel vision. It may also make you confused or affect your balance.

Some symptoms may be caused by tumours in particular parts of the brain. In general, each area of the brain controls particular functions. A tumour may prevent a particular area of the brain from working normally.

Some of these symptoms are listed below, grouped under the different parts of the brain. They are included only as a guide. Exact diagnosis can only be made by a doctor and confirmed by tests.

The diagram showing the lobes and functions of the brain shows the different functions of each area of the brain.

Frontal lobe tumours − Changes in personality and intellect. Uncoordinated walking or weakness of one side of the body. Loss of smell, occasional speech difficulties.

Parietal lobe − Difficulty in speaking or understanding words. Problems with writing, reading or doing simple calculations. Difficulty in coordinating certain movements, and finding your way around. Numbness or weakness on one side of the body.

Occipital lobe − Loss of vision on one side. The person may not notice this at first and it may sometimes be discovered during routine eye tests.

Temporal lobe − Fits, which may cause strange sensations: a feeling of fear or intense familiarity (déjà vu), strange smells or blackouts. Speech difficulties and memory problems.

Cerebellum − Lack of coordination which affects walking and speech (dysarthria), unsteadiness, flickering involuntary movement of the eyes (nystagmus). Vomiting and neck stiffness.

Brain stem − Unsteadiness and an uncoordinated walk. Facial weakness, a one-sided smile or drooping eyelid. Double vision. Vomiting or headache just after waking (this is rare); difficulty in speaking and swallowing. Symptoms may appear gradually.

All the above symptoms may be caused by conditions other than a brain tumour. If you have any of the symptoms described it is important that you go to see your GP.

Another common symptom caused by brain tumours is epilepsy, which can cause seizures, muscle spasms, or moments of unconsciousness. A seizure is a frightening experience, but is not necessarily caused by a brain tumour. However, it is important to seek medical help so that the actual cause can be diagnosed and treated.

Sometimes brain tumours may cause changes in personality or behaviour. These symptoms usually occur when the tumour is in the brain’s cerebral hemispheres. This situation can be very frightening for the patient and their family. Sometimes a referral for psychological support can help to assess the extent of the problem and look at ways of coping with it.

Driving

As brain tumours can cause changes in the way that your brain works, this may make it dangerous for you to drive. In the UK, there are laws which restrict some people with brain tumours from driving for a time. The restrictions vary with the type of tumour you have, and the type of driving license you hold. However, you will not usually be allowed to drive for at least a year after the condition has been diagnosed, and in some circumstances you may not be able to drive again.

It is your legal responsibility, not your doctors’, to tell the Drivers and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) about your illness. The DVLA will advise of you of any restrictions on your right to drive. You should also inform your insurance company.