How brain tumours are diagnosed

Usually, if you have slowly developing symptoms you will see your GP, who will examine you. If a brain tumour is suspected, they will refer you to a specialist doctor, either:

• a neurologist (a specialist in brain and nerve disorders), or
• an oncologist (a doctor who specialises in cancer treatment).

Sometimes people with brain tumours have a sudden epileptic fit or sudden onset of problems associated with the position of the tumour, and may be taken straight to hospital, where tests are carried out to diagnose the tumour.

Brain tumours are often treated in specialist centres, so you may have to travel to your nearest centre.

At the hospital

At the hospital the doctor will ask you about your general health and any previous medical problems. You will then have a general physical examination in which the doctor may listen to your chest and feel your abdomen to check your general health, and you will have a detailed examination to test your nervous system.

The examination of your nervous system may include:

• Mental exercises, such as simple arithmetic and simple questions.
• An eye examination using an instrument that shines a light at the back of the eye (ophthalmoscope). This test is done to see if the optic disc at the back of your eye is swollen. This swelling is known as papilloedema and is a sign of raised pressure in your skull. Your eyesight will also be tested.
• Hearing tests.
• Facial muscle tests − smiling, grimacing.
• Tongue movement, checking your swallow (gag) reflex.
• Checking the strength of your arms and legs, your knee jerks and other reflexes.
• A test of your ability to feel pinpricks on areas of skin, to tell the difference between hot and cold, and possibly to recognise the feeling and shape of familiar objects like coins.
• Checking your balance and coordination, for example by asking you to walk a few steps or perform repeated movements.