Nine early brain tumour symptoms you shouldn't ignore — see full list

Nine early brain tumour symptoms you shouldn't ignore — see full list Every year thousands of people are diagnosed with primary brain tumours and just 12.9 per cent of adults diagnosed with the cancer live for five years or more, figures show Having a brain tumour can be one of the most frightening things a person can go through, but knowing the early symptoms can help lead to a faster diagnosis and more options for treatment. Each year some 13,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with a primary brain tumour. Symptoms can vary depending on the tumour's size, location and growth rate, knowing what they are could help. Doctors will typically take a full medical history should you or a loved one show brain tumour symptoms before running tests. If they suspect you have a tumour, they could refer you for further tests. Early brain tumour symptoms According to The Brain Tumour Charity, there are key things to look out for which might be the first signs of a brain tumour. While the symptoms develop gradually and can be mistaken for other conditions, it is important to take them seriously if they do not go away or get worse. - Headaches - These might feel different from usual headaches that happen more often and feel more severe. They might also feel worse in the morning and not get better even with painkillers. - Changes to vision - Blurred, double vision, a greying out when you stand up or even a partial loss of sight can be warning signs of a brain tumour. - Weakness or numbness - A tingling or numbness on one side of your body could be due to a brain tumour. - Loss of tast or smell - A brain tumour can affect parts of the brain responsible for taste and smell, though this is rare. - Speech issues - Some people could struggle to find words, slurred speech, or difficulty understanding language if they have a brain tumour. - Tiredness or fatigue - Tiredness is a common symptom of a brain tumour. Feeling tired at different times of the day and having inconsistent sleeping patterns might be a sign of a brain tumour. - Cognitive or personality changes - Diffifuty concentrating, memory problems, confusionor noticeable modd shifts and personality can be early signs of a brain tumour. - Nausea or vomiting - Feeling sick without an obvious cause, especially in the morning, can sometimes be linked to increased pressure in the brain. - Balance and coordination difficulties - Feeling unusually unsteady, dizzy, or struggling with coordination could be a symptom of a brain tumour - It can lead to toddlers and young children stopping walking and starting to crawl again. What to do if you suspect you have a brain tumour If you're experiencing symptoms and are concerned about them, then be aware they can also be caused by other conditions. Should they continue or get worse, speak to your doctor as diagnosing a brain tumur early could result in different treatment options. Before you see the doctor, consider writing down your questions so you don't forget to ask, keep a symptom diary, ask about brain tumours, bring support with you and advocate for yourself if you believe your concerns are not being taken seriously. If it is an emergency, then do not wait and go directly to A&E. If you are unable to do that, then phone 999.