Brain tumours

Signs and symptoms

Brain tumour symptoms

The main symptoms caused by a brain tumour include:

  • Headache – may be worse in the morning or during the night, or when you sneeze/cough or bend down
  • Loss of vision or problems with vision, such as blurred or double vision
  • Fits or seizures or blackouts
  • Personality or behaviour changes
  • Changes in intellect or memory problems
  • Uncoordinated movements or unsteadiness or weakness on one side of your body
  • Speech or swallowing difficulties

The symptoms vary depending on which part of the brain is affected by the tumour. The symptoms also depend on the amount of pressure the tumour is causing. 

These symptoms can also be caused by many other conditions other than brain tumours, but it’s important to go to your GP and get any unusual changes checked.

Can I be screened for brain tumours?

Testing for brain tumours when you have no symptoms is called screening. There is no screening programme for brain tumours.  If you’re worried about brain tumours, talk to your GP.

Talk to a Cancer Nurse

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Our Cancer Nurses offer confidential advice, support and information for anyone affected by cancer. Call or email supportline@irishcancer.ie. Video calls available. Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm
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Our Daffodil Centres in 13 hospitals nationwide are staffed by Cancer Nurses and trained volunteers who provide face-to-face advice, support and information for anyone affected by cancer.
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