A brain tumour is a rare but potentially dangerous growth of cells in the brain.
They can be either cancerous or non-cancerous and could require a number of treatments, including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
It is important to know the signs and symptoms of a brain tumour, and some may not realise the signs can vary with age.
Dr David Jenkinson, Chief Scientific Officer at The Brain Tumour Charity, said that there are now around 1,000 people in Scotland who are being diagnosed every year, and recognising the signs is now more important than ever.
He said: "The warning signs vary by age group, as well as due to the type of tumour and where in the brain it is located.
"We’d encourage anyone who is worried about a symptom that’s unusual for them, and particularly if it is persistent or they experience a combination of symptoms, to speak to their doctor – to help rule a brain tumour out."
The charity group also analysed Public Health Scotland data and found that nearly eight per cent fewer cases of brain tumours were diagnosed in Scotland in 2020 compared to 2019, following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Here are some age-specific symptoms that the charity group has shared which you should look out for in yourself and in those around you.
Brain tumour symptoms in adults
Adults include anyone over the age of 18.
- Nausea/vomiting
- Persistent/recurrent headache
- Balance problems
- Problems with vision
- Fatigue
- Fits or seizures (not with a fever)
- Memory problems
- Cognitive changes
- Speech difficulties
- Mobility problems
- Numbness/tingling
- Loss in taste or smell
Brain tumour symptoms in teens
Teens include anyone between the ages of 12 and 18.
- Persistent/recurrent vomiting
- Persistent/recurrent headache
- Balance coordination and/or walking problem
- Abnormal eye movements
- Blurred or double vision/loss in vision
- Behavioural change
- Fits or seizures (not with a fever)
- Abnormal head position such as a wry neck, head tilt or stiff neck
- Reduced consciousness
- Onset of diabetes insipidus
- Delayed or arrested puberty
Brain tumour symptoms in children
Children include anyone between the ages of five and 11
- Persistent/recurrent headache
- Balance coordination and/or walking problem
- Persistent/recurrent vomiting
- Abnormal eye movements
- Blurred or double vision/loss in vision
- Behavioural change
- Fits or seizures (not with a fever)
- Abnormal head position such as a wry neck, head tilt or stiff neck
- Reduced consciousness
- Onset of diabetes insipidus
- Delayed growth
Brain tumour symptoms in babies
Babies include anyone under the age of five
- Persistent/recurrent vomiting
- Balance coordination and/or walking problem
- Abnormal eye movement or suspended loss of vision
- Behaviour change, particularly lethargy
- Fits or seizures (not with a fever)
- Abnormal head position such as a wry neck, head tilt or stiff neck
- Increasing head circumference
- Reduced consciousness
- Onset of diabetes insipidus
- Delayed growth
If you are concerned about symptoms in yourself or in a loved one or are experiencing symptoms regularly you should speak to your GP. If you are experiencing two or more symptoms you should ask your GP about an urgent referral.
You can also receive some guidance from the Brain Tumour Charity's phone line where you can discuss possible signs and symptoms. They can be reached on 0808 800 0004.
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