The Most Common Symptoms Of A Brain Tumor

Slurred Speech

When a tumor is present in the brain, it may affect the ability to speak or make sounds. Slurring and stuttering speech, using inappropriate words, and nonunderstandable words are common language-based signs of a brain tumor. Doctor Carrubba stated, “Language problems such as stuttering, difficulty naming objects or understanding what others are saying are key symptoms of a tumor in the frontal or temporal lobes, areas of the brain associated with the motor function of speech and language comprehension. There are two speech centers in the brain that are located on the left side—Wernicke’s area, which allows us to understand and comprehend speech, and Broca’s area, which activates the muscles that create sound.”

Furthermore, the patient will generally have difficulties forming a meaningful sentence, experience problems reading out loud what they have written, and might also use non-existent words. All of these language and speech-related difficulties are signs of a migraine attack, a stroke, or a brain tumor, therefore, a patient should be examined by a doctor as soon as they notice these changes.

Keep reading to further learn how a brain tumor can affect an individual's personality.

Psychiatric Problems

A brain tumor affecting the frontal lobe may have an impact on a person’s behavior. Depending on the exact location and size of the tumor, an individual's personality traits and mood can be significantly altered. They may become overly aggressive or sexual, or exhibit anger and agitation. Doctor Sumeet Vadera, Neurosurgeon at the University of California-Irvine, said, “Patients suffering from a brain tumor may develop depression, anger or anxiety, even if they don’t commonly exhibit these types of emotions. This is related to tumor irritation or compression of portions of the frontal lobe, which is responsible for many of our personality traits.” Personality changes can also be related to mental conditions, such as bipolar disorder, so it is imperative that if an individual begins to notice their personality has altered or they are experiencing rapid mood swings moreso than usual, they should consult a medical professional to find the root cause.

Continue reading to uncover how a tumor can affect a person's hearing.