The Most Common Symptoms of a Brain Tumor
When former Senator John McCain had surgery to remove a blood clot in his brain, doctors found something unexpected—a malignant brain tumor. While surgery can sometimes uncover a tumor, that’s not usually how they’re found or diagnosed. And despite what people think, headaches aren’t the most common sign.
“Headaches do not correlate with brain tumors very well,” says Randy Jensen, MD, PhD, a neurosurgeon at University of Utah Health. “They are too non-specific. A constant pressure in the head may suggest an issue but not episodic experiences of pain.”
Early Signs of a Brain Tumor (That Might Look Like a Stroke)
Many brain tumors are first mistaken for strokes. That’s because they show up with sudden, stroke-like symptoms, such as:
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Blurry or partial vision loss on one side
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Changes in personality such as sudden mood swings, being more impulsive, or distancing themselves
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Ignoring things on one side of the body
“Family members come in and say they knew something was wrong when a patient didn't seem to notice the other side of the road when driving,” Jensen says.
Stroke vs. Brain Tumor: Timing Is Key
While a stroke and a brain tumor may present with similar symptoms, it’s the timing of these symptoms that differentiates them.
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Stroke: Symptoms happen quickly–within minutes or hours
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Brain tumor: Symptoms build slowly over days, weeks, or even months
“Symptoms may come so subtly that those around the patient take little to no notice right away,” Jensen says. “They may be willing to write it off, think it's a momentary lapse, or blame it on something else.”
Treating a Brain Tumor
If a brain tumor is diagnosed, treatment depends on the tumor’s size, type, and location. At University of Utah Health, patients have access to some of the most advanced therapies in the Mountain West, including:
- Proton radiation therapy: A form of radiation that uses invisible, high-energy beams that target tumors while sparing healthy brain tissue.
- Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT): Also called laser ablation, LITT is a minimally invasive procedure that uses laser heat to destroy tumors without open surgery.
- Multidisciplinary care team: Patients are seen by experts in neurosurgery, radiation oncology, neuro-oncology, neuropathology, neuroradiology, and social work—often in the same visit. That kind of coordinated care helps ensure every treatment plan is personalized.
When to Talk to a Doctor
Even small changes in movement, speech, or personality should be taken seriously—especially if they last more than a few days. It’s always better to check in early. A primary care physician can help decide if brain imaging or a neurological workup is needed.
