Feeling sluggish, down in the dumps, and forgetful? You may not be aware that these are more than just symptoms of lack of caffeine in your system. A life-threatening disease can cause these sudden behavioural changes.
Currently, over 11,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with brain tumours each year. A brain tumour is an abnormal development of tissues in the nervous system, specifically in the brain and central spine. This disease has 120 types, which can either be malignant or benign.
Brain tumours can be detected through an open MRI scan and can be treated through chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. Of course, early diagnosis increases the likelihood of successful treatment.
That’s why it’s essential to be aware of the early symptoms of this illness. The most common signs of brain tumour are intense headaches, seizures, and nausea. But there are also other indicators of a growing tumour in your nervous system.
Here are six unexpected symptoms of a developing tumour in your brain:
You’re Always in a Funk
People with brain tumours experience sudden mood changes. With no apparent reason, they find themselves sulking in their rooms and suffering from long bouts of depression. Aside from that, they suddenly lose interest in things they used to take pleasure in.
Brain tumours affect the brain’s frontal lobe, which is in charge of cognitive functions such as emotions, memory, and judgment. Tumours prevent the frontal lobe from functioning correctly, making it harder for this part of the brain to regulate one’s emotions. That is why people with brain tumours lose control of their feelings and drift into depression. So, if you’ve been feeling a bit in the funk for months now, it might be an indicator of a severe health problem.
You’re Becoming Forgetful
Brain tumours can affect how you process and store information. That is because this disease attacks your frontal and temporal lobe, which are responsible for different cognitive functions, namely, reasoning, memory, and concentration. So, individuals who develop tumours in their central nervous system have a hard time using their mental faculties. They tend to be easily confused, distracted, and forgetful. In severe cases, people with malignant brain tumour experience amnesia-like symptoms. If you feel like you’re unusually foggy, then it won’t hurt to have yourself checked.
You’re Too Sloppy
Have you been demonstrating extreme levels of clumsiness? If you’re struggling with balance, coordination, and control, then maybe your body is trying to tell you something. Brain tumours affect the cerebellum, which is in charge of regulating motor skills. When this part of the brain is infected, your regular body movements will be hampered. Experiencing unusual problems with moving your hands, arms, legs, and feet are telltale indicators of a potential tumour in the base of your brain.
You’re Zapped of Energy
Extreme fatigue is also a sign of a tumour in your brain. Fatigue is defined as the lack of physical strength despite getting enough rest. It also pertains to the difficulty of bodily movements. If you regularly get eight hours of sleep but still feel physically tired, it is suggestive of a problem in your central nervous system.
Brain tumours affect the base of the brain, which is linked to motor movement and motivation. When this part of the cerebrum is involved, you will have a hard time mustering the energy you need to carry out day-to-day activities. More so, brain tumours can influence your neurobiology, causing you to experience anxiety, sleep disturbances, and memory problems. That prevents the optimal performance of your cognitive faculties, causing you to feel mentally weak and physically exhausted all the time.
You have Eye Problems
Are you suddenly experiencing double vision or blurry eyesight? Eye problems are early symptoms of brain tumours. If you happen to see floating shapes when you open your eyes, a brain tumour may be disrupting your sense of sight. The parietal lobe of your cerebrum is in charge of visual functions and general perception, so when your brain is infected with a tumour, your vision is compromised. If you find yourself struggling with your eyesight, you should drop by to the hospital for a quick check-up.
You’re at a Loss For Words
If you find yourself having difficulty with your speech, a brain tumour might be causing that. Brain tumours can affect how people verbally communicate, making it difficult for them to find the right words to say. People with this disease also have a hard time uttering even the simplest terms. Aside from that, their writing and reading abilities are gravely affected by brain tumours. That is because tumours make it harder for the parietal lobe to function correctly. The parietal lobe plays a crucial part in reading, language, and general perception. When a tumour impairs this part of the brain, people will notice problems in the way they speak and process information.
Indeed, early detection increases the chance of successful treatment. Hospitals are equipped with advanced technology and expertise to accurately diagnose and promptly treat this debilitating disease in the central nervous system. So, when you notice these problems arising, don’t think twice to have yourself checked.