If you’ve ever suffered a severe headache or trouble with your vision, you may have wondered if it could be caused by a brain tumor. Erin Dunbar, M.D., a neuro-oncologist at Piedmont Brain Tumor Center, shares the most common symptoms and when to see a doctor.

“A tumor can grow in the brain and go relatively unnoticed for a great period of time,” Dr. Dunbar say.

When symptoms do arise, they are often very generalized and could be caused by other conditions. They may include:  

• Slight differences in functioning, thinking, mood or memory
• Seizures
• Focal neurologic symptoms like blurry vision, dizziness or falls
• Headaches
• Sleepiness

“The good news is that those symptoms are overwhelmingly more likely not coming from a brain tumor,” she explains. “However, I always encourage anyone if they have any questions about symptoms they have that are worrisome to them, should contact their primary care provider and be evaluated to see if they may or may not have symptoms related to a tumor.”

Need to make an appointment with a Piedmont physician? Save time, book online.