Browser does not support script.
Skip to main content
search here
Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more|.
Find out how we produce our information|
A brain tumour may cause symptoms because the space it takes up in the skull puts pressure on the brain or because it is disturbing the function of the part of the brain it's growing in.
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 symptoms of a rise in the pressure within the brain are headaches, feeling sick (nausea)| and vomiting.
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's 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.
Another possible 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 here, 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.
Seizures (fits) are another common symptom caused by brain tumours. Some people can may experience muscle spasms which could be twitching or jerking of an arm or leg or sometimes the whole body. Occasionally they can cause moments of unconsciousness.
It's important to remember that a seizure can be caused by medical conditions other than a brain tumour. A seizure can be a frightening experience. if you have one you should seek medical help so that the cause can be diagnosed and treated.
Some symptoms may be caused by tumours in particular parts of the brain. Sometimes a headache can feel worse on the same side of the tumour. In general, each area of the brain controls particular functions. A tumour in a particular part of the brain may prevent that 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 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 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.
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 unsettling for the person and their family. Sometimes a referral to a psychologist for assessment and support can help.
As brain tumours can cause changes in the way that your brain works, it may be dangerous 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. With some types of benign tumours you may be able to drive again once you have recovered from your treatment.
It is your legal responsibility, not your doctor's, 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 car insurance company.
For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)
If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.