What are common symptoms of a brain tumor?

Neurological focal deficits are common symptoms of a brain tumor because these tumors can press on or invade areas of the brain responsible for specific functions. Depending on the tumor's location, it may affect motor skills, sensory perception, speech, vision, or coordination. For instance, a tumor in the frontal lobe might lead to changes in personality or difficulty with movement, while a tumor in the occipital lobe could affect vision. These deficits emerge as the tumor grows and impacts surrounding brain tissue.

While the other symptoms mentioned—headaches, frequent nausea, and persistent fatigue—can also occur in conjunction with brain tumors, they are more general and can be associated with a variety of conditions, not exclusively brain tumors. Headaches related to brain tumors often do not improve when lying down; changes in headache patterns, intensity, or frequency are more characteristic. Frequent nausea may occur due to increased intracranial pressure or irritation of the brain's vomiting center but is not a definitive indicator. Persistent fatigue can result from the body's response to illness or other underlying health issues. Thus, neurological focal deficits provide more direct evidence of a brain tumor's impact on specific brain functions.