Toddler Brain Tumor Symptoms

A tumor is an abnormal growth of cells, and according to the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, brain tumors are the "most common solid tumors in children." Symptoms of a brain tumor in toddlers are often vague and similar to symptoms of other illnesses. Brain tumor symptoms often vary depending on the type of tumor, the size of the tumor, the location of the tumor and how rapidly the tumor is growing.

Symptoms of a Brain Tumor in the Cerebrum

• The cerebrum is located in the front part of the brain and is what most people envision when they think of the brain. It controls a toddler's learning and memory, sense of smell, language and communication, movement and ability to process sensations. A toddler with a brain tumor in the cerebrum may have seizures, slurred speech, changes in his vision, weakness or paralysis on one side of his body, changes in the way he breathes or increased intracranial pressure.

Symptoms of a Brain Tumor in the Brainstem

• The brainstem, which connects the brain to the spinal cord, is responsible for controlling a toddler's swallowing, breathing, facial muscles, tongue and vocal chords. Symptoms a toddler may exhibit when she has a tumor in the brainstem include seizures, headaches, paralyzed nerves and muscles located in the face, vision changes or double vision, respiratory changes and increased intracranial pressure.

Symptoms of a Brain Tumor in the Cerebellum

• The cerebellum is located in the back of the brain and controls balance and equilibrium, muscle tone, voluntary motor movement coordination and posture. Increased intracranial pressure, headache, and vomiting that often occurs in the morning are some signs that a toddler might have a brain tumor in the cerebellum. A toddler might also have problems coordinating muscle movements, such as walking, which is called ataxia.

Symptoms of Intracranial Pressure

• Intracranial pressure is the pressure in the cranium, brain and cerebrospinal fluid. When a tumor begins growing in the brain, the intracranial pressure increases. A toddler with increased intracranial pressure caused by a brain tumor might have symptoms such as headaches, decreased respiratory and cardiac functions, and nausea and vomiting. He might seem depressed or sluggish, be irritable or have changes in his personality.

Other Symptoms

• A toddler with a brain tumor might also have reduced alertness or lethargy, memory loss, or confusion. She might run a fever or complain of generally not feeling well. Decreased sensation, hand tremors, loss of sense of smell or loss of hearing are also symptoms that a toddler might have a brain tumor.