Glioma

Symptom of glioma

Symptoms are divided into two main types. The first are "symptoms and signs caused by increased intracranial pressure". These are the result of swelling in the brain caused by the brain tumor, which increases the pressure within the area enclosed by the hard bones of the skull. Characteristically, these comprise repeated headaches (particularly bad, 1-2 hours after getting up in the morning) and nausea. A symptom may also occur in which the eyes temporarily cloud over (as if a lace curtain had been drawn across them).

The second type comprises symptoms that occur due to impaired brain activity at the site of the glioma. These symptoms vary, but commonly include paralysis of the hands, feet, or face, balance problems (staggering), slurred speech, and not being immediately able to name objects (see illustration). This condition may also be discovered as a result of sudden seizures of the hands and feet or loss of consciousness. Other signs to watch for in persons aged from their 20s to their 50s are extreme forgetfulness and strange behavior or speech, although these are relatively uncommon.

M Matsumae. Understanding the tumor. Clinical study. Vol 29, No. 14, 2008
Medical Friend Co. Ltd. Illustrator Kitahara Isao

page top