Effects of a brain tumour

The first symptoms that an individual with a brain tumour may notice are headaches, dizziness, vomiting and drowsiness. This is due to the tumour taking up vital space inside the skull. This causes an increase in the pressure inside the skull called a raised intracranial pressure. These symptoms may get worse when bending down, sneezing, coughing or carrying out strenuous physical activity that further increases the intracranial pressure inside the skull. Others may experience fits or seizures that cause sudden jerking movements of the limbs or the whole body.

Some of the symptoms of brain tumour may include:

Headaches
Dizziness
Muscle weakness
Reduced co-ordination
Reduced balance
Reduced ability to stand and walk
Reduced ability to carry out functional tasks
Reduced independence and quality of life
Reduced ability to speak or swallow
Reduced memory or changes to personality
Visual changes

These symptoms are dependent on the location of the tumour as different areas of the brain control different functions of the body. For example, if the tumour is located in the frontal lobe of the brain, the individual is likely to experience personality changes, difficulty planning tasks, muscle weakness and difficulty walking. If the tumour is in the parietal lobe of the brain, it will cause problems speaking, writing, reading and understanding words. Occipital lobe tumours will cause visual changes whereas a tumour in the temporal lobe will cause changes to sensation.

However, it is not always this straight forward as a tumour can affect multiple lobes in the brain and cause a combination of complex symptoms. For this reason, individuals with brain tumours require specialist multi-disciplinary management to ensure all areas of their multifactorial needs are met.

At Manchester Neuro Physio, our experienced physiotherapists have an in-depth understanding of the neurophysiology of the brain and are able to help you achieve the highest possible level of independence.Your neurological physiotherapist will teach you exercises to strengthen your muscles, improve your balance and suggest helpful equipment or mobility aids.

To find out more about how our specialist physiotherapists can help you achieve the best possible level of function, call us now on 0161 883 0066 for a free telephone consultation.

Introduction to Brain Tumour

To book an assessment or for more information please email office@manchesterneurophysio.co.uk call 0161 883 0066 .

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