There are many well-known brain tumour symptoms including headaches but one sign comes and goes so quickly you might not spot it
Many people deal with eye problems on a daily basis. Vision changes which mean new glasses or feeling tired at the end of a busy day can all impact most people at times.
But while these are usually nothing to worry about there are some things to look out for as they could be a red flag for something more serious. One of these potentially deadly issues is a brain tumour.
And there is one lesser-known sign that can be difficult to spot as it appears then disappears in a matter of seconds. Experts from the Brain Tumour Charity warn loss of vision when you stand up which returns in a few seconds could be a symptom of the condition.
They say: “A brain tumour can cause a change in vision by causing pressure on the optic nerve or by creating swelling of the optic disc in the back of the eye.” The charity says this is one of several symptoms which appear in they eyes.
They warn: “A change in vision sometimes caused by brain tumours is blurred vision. You could notice that it has become hard to watch TV or read.
“Another change in vision could be a sudden loss of vision lasting a few seconds (‘greying out’). This is usually related to changes in your posture, like suddenly standing up.
“Or you may find you have lost part of your field of vision. This could lead to you bumping into objects. Or you could feel as if objects or people are suddenly appearing on one side of you.”
However the charity said people shouldn’t worry as it is unlikely to be a sign of the cancer, reports Surrey Live. It added: “Please keep in mind that brain tumours are relatively rare. So, if you’ve had a change in vision, it’s likely that your symptoms are not because of a brain tumour. But, it’s always important to get any symptoms checked out at an opticians.”
Brain Tumour Charity figures show more than 12,000 people are diagnosed with a brain tumour in the UK every year. Of these just over half, 53%, are found to have non-cancerous tumours and 47% with cancerous tumours.
Brain tumours cut an average of 27 years off a person’s life expectancy making it the highest of any cancer. At present there are at least 88,000 children and adults living with a brain tumour across the country, says the charity.
More than 5,300 people will die as a result of their brain tumour every year with roughly one in 10 – just 12% – of adults surviving five years after diagnosis. The Brain Tumour Charity has listed symptoms to watch for and what to do if you think you might have a brain tumour.
Symptoms
Adult symptoms include:
- headaches – headaches are one of the most common symptoms of a brain tumour.
- changes in vision – changes to vision can include blurred or double vision, abnormal eye movements, restricted field of view and more.
- seizures – seizures, sometimes referred to as ‘fits’, are one of the common symptoms of a brain tumour.
- nausea and dizziness – nausea, as with headaches, may be worse in the morning or if you suddenly change position.
- tiredness – tiredness is usually a later brain tumour symptom as the tumour grows and the pressure increases.
- loss of taste and smell – although rare, loss of taste & smell can be linked with tumours in certain parts of the brain.
Children’s symptoms include:
What to do if you have brain tumour symptoms
The charity advises: “Brain tumours are rare. But, if you’re worried and a symptom persists or if you have more than one symptom of a brain tumour then:
- 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. Eye test are not just about testing your vision, but can also give an insight into your wider health. - Go to A&E
If the symptoms are sudden or severe, or if experience a seizure, you should go to your emergency department or call 999.
