Symptoms based on tumour location in the brain
Symptoms of a brain tumour can vary depending on the tumour’s location.
The brain is divided into two halves called the right and left hemispheres. The brain can also be divided into four areas known as lobes (frontal, temporal, parietal and occipital) plus two other important areas called the brain stem and the cerebellum.
The presence of a brain tumour can cause damage to healthy brain tissue, disrupting the normal function of that area.
Remember that many of the symptoms due to raised intracranial pressure (ICP) can be caused by other medical conditions. So if you are experiencing these symptoms, it does not necessarily mean you have a brain tumour.
Location
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A brain tumour located in the frontal lobe may cause difficulty with:
- concentrating or focusing your attention on something
- speaking
- communication skills and language production
- controlling emotions and behaviour
- executive functions (making decisions, solving problems, planning and organising)
- learning and remembering new information
- lack of inhibition (making inappropriate comments during conversation or laughing in inappropriate situations)
- social cognition, impulse control and sexual behaviour
- weakness on the opposite side of the body from the tumour
- loss of smell.
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A brain tumour located in the temporal lobe may cause difficulty with:
- hearing
- speaking
- identifying and categorising objects
- learning new information
- correctly identifying emotions in others
- memory loss
- seizures or blackouts
- sensations of strange smells.
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A brain tumour located in the parietal lobe may cause difficulty with:
- bringing together information from your different senses (touch, vision, hearing, smell, taste) and making sense of it
- recognising faces or objects
- co-ordinating movements
- spatial awareness (judging distances and hand-eye co-ordination)
- speaking, understanding words, writing and reading
- numbness on the opposite side of the body from the tumour.
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A brain tumour located in the occipital lobe may cause:
- difficulty with vision e.g. identifying objects or colours
- loss of vision on one side.
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A brain tumour located in the cerebellum may cause:
- difficulty with balance
- loss of co-ordination
- difficulty walking and speaking
- difficulty using executive functions (making decisions, solving problems, planning and organising)
- flickering of the eyes
- vomiting
- stiff neck
- problems with dexterity (skills in using your hands).
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A tumour located in the brain stem may cause:
- unsteadiness and difficulty walking
- facial weakness
- double vision
- difficulty speaking and swallowing.
I think I have a brain tumour, what should I do?
Brain tumours are rare, however, if you’re worried and a symptom persists or if you have more than one symptom of a brain tumour then:
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Talk to your doctor
GP appointments are usually quite short, so make sure you find out how to best prepare for your appointment. - Get an eye test
If your symptoms are limited to changes in vision and/or headaches, get your eyes tested by an optician before seeing your GP. - Go to A&E
If the symptoms are sudden or severe, you should go to your emergency department or call 999.
Should I speak to a doctor during the coronavirus pandemic?
We understand you may feel worried about seeking help from your GP during the coronavirus pandemic – but please don’t delay speaking to a healthcare professional.
The NHS and your GP are still here for you and have made changes that make it easier to safely speak to a healthcare professional and get medical help if you need it.
It’s more important than ever for you to prepare for your appointments by understanding what might happen during the appointment and what questions you want to ask.
More information
Symptoms of a brain tumour in adults – PDF
Find out more about the symptoms of a brain tumour in adults in the full fact sheet.
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