What Types of Seizures Do People With Brain Cancer Have?

Brain cancers are growths of malignant (harmful) cells that may originate in the brain or metastasize (spread) from other areas in the body. Individuals with brain cancer frequently experience different types of associated seizures.

The Facts

• According to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, seizures commonly occur in slow-growing brain cancers and in noncancerous (benign) brain tumors. The appearance of seizures and other symptoms depends on a cancer's stage of development, location, size and rate of growth.

Types Of Seizures

• Seizures occur as a result of disruptions in the brain's normal processing of electrical signals. Brain cancer can trigger both focal (localized) and general body (Grand mal) seizures, according to the Yale Brain Tumor Center.

General Seizure Symptoms

• The American Brain Tumor Association lists symptoms of general seizures that include loss of consciousness, convulsions and unusual sensations in the body.

Focal Seizure Symptoms

• Symptoms of focal seizures include jerking or twitching of arm or leg muscles, speech difficulties, numbness, tingling and experiencing abnormal smells or tastes.

Considerations

• In some cases, seizures may continue in the aftermath of successful brain cancer treatment.