Signs and Symptoms of a Childhood Brain Tumor

According to the Mayo Clinic, about 2,000 children per year under the age of 16 are diagnosed with brain cancer in the United States. After leukemia, brain tumors are the second most common form of cancer in children. However, brain cancer in children is still quite rare, but it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms so your child receives prompt and proper care.

Headaches

• Symptoms of a brain tumor will vary from patient to patient. Sometimes the symptoms will come on gradually while in others the signs will suddenly be very severe. One of the most common symptoms of a brain tumor in children is headaches. According to the American Brain Tumor Association, these headaches are worse in the morning and tend to get better as the day progresses. Double vision and weakness often accompany these headaches. Sometimes they strike while the child is sleeping, forcing him awake and sometimes causing nausea and vomiting.

Seizures

• Children with brain tumors may also experience seizures. According to the American Brain Tumor Association, seizures are the first sign of a brain tumor in about one third of those affected with the disease. When a tumor grows in the brain, it interferes with the normal flow of electricity there. This disruption can cause suddenly bursts of electrical activity that induce seizures. These seizures can range from mild, such as the jerking of the limbs, to the child losing consciousness.

Other Symptoms

• Mental and cognitive symptoms are also noticeable in children with brain tumors. Changes in behavior and personality are common as are problems with concentration. Children with brain tumors tend to sleep more, display problems with reasoning and become forgetful. They may also lose some physical abilities, such as hearing, limb function, sight and fine motor skills. Most of these symptoms depend on the location of the tumor in the brain.