Signs & Symptoms of Brain Cancer in Children

Parents should look out for signs of childhood brain cancer, since children may not understand or talk about symptoms. Vision and balance problems are two symptoms found in pediatric patients.

Vision Problems

• Vision problems that children with brain cancer may experience range from mild blurring to double vision.

Progressive Weakness

• Progressive weakness may begin slowly in pediatric brain cancer patients. Children affected may feel too tired and hesitant to participate in childhood sports or gym class.

Seizures, Headaches

• Seizures occur when there is abnormal electrical brain activity. Pediatric brain cancer patients may have symptoms involving a portion of the brain or the entire brain. Another symptom with this type of cancer is headaches, usually followed by morning nausea.

Mood Changes

• Mood changes may be harder to detect. An outgoing child can become withdrawn or moody. A pediatric brain cancer patient may want to remain alone and deal with physical changes.

Balance Problems

• A pediatric brain cancer patient may experience balance problems, either in standing or walking with difficulty.