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Signs & Symptoms of Pediatric Brain Tumors

Signs & symptoms of pediatric brain tumors can gradually appear & become worse with time or in some cases they can suddenly happen so as to cause seizures. Tumors within the brain can often raise pressure within the skull. Intracranial pressure can be caused by growth of the tumor, swelling in brain or due to the blocked flow of cerebrospinal fluid. Common signs & symptoms of increased pressure in brain include headache, nausea, vomiting, crossed eyes, blurred vision, balance problems, behavioral changes, seizures, drowsiness or even coma in some children. Brain tumor surgery for many children can be an excellent solution to overcome these problems.

Other Signs & Symptoms in Children

Other signs & symptoms of a brain tumor in children can occur within the first few years of their lives & include loss of appetite, irritability, developmental delay & a drop in their physical & mental abilities. Parents may also notice increase in their size of head & in some cases along with bulging of soft spots on skull, usually among children who are too small to complain. General symptoms of a brain tumor in children of school-going age include fatigue, poor performance at school alongside changes in personality. Doctors can also tell about pressure inside the child's skull by looking in the eyes for swelling of the optic nerve.

Symptoms of a Brain Tumor in Children in Other Parts of the Central Nervous System

A brain tumor in children or within the spinal cord can cause several signs & symptoms including problems with specific functioning of that particular region, including the following.

· Brain tumors in areas which control sensation or movement can cause numbness or weakness in specific parts of the body & which most often are on one side.

· Tumors in or near parts of the brain which are responsible for language may cause problems with speech or understanding words in some cases.

· Tumors which are located in front part of the brain may at times affect personality, thinking & language skills.

· Tumors in areas of brain known as basal ganglia typically are found to cause abnormal body positions & movements.

· Brain tumor in children occurring areas which control coordination may cause trouble in walking or with other types of functions including eating.

· Tumors located on the back side of the brain or around pituitary gland, optic nerves or other specific cranial nerves are found to cause problems with vision.

· A brain tumor in children in or near other cranial nerves can also lead to balance problems, loss of hearing, trouble in swallowing, or weakness of some facial nerves.

· Spinal cord tumors in children are found to cause weakness, numbness or lack of coordination in both sides of arms and/or legs, as well as bowel or bladder problems.

Nevertheless, having one or more of these problems does not necessarily mean that the child is having a tumor since most of these symptoms can belong to other reasons as well. But then, if you notice any of these symptoms which do not go away but worsen over time, it is time to see a doctor & to find out the underlying cause of the problem including considering brain tumor surgery if required.

Conclusion

The quality of brain tumor surgery is at par with the best in the world. Neurosurgeons in India are globally recognized to be some of the best & many of whom have in fact initially trained & experienced for decades in developed Western countries like the United Kingdom, Canada & United States before returning to their homeland.

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