imaging procedures such as MAGNETIC RESONANCE
IMAGING(MRI) andCOMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY(CT) SCAN
to examine the brain’s structure. Most tumors are
detectable with these procedures. However, the
neurosurgeon must take a sample of the tumor’s
cells (biopsy) to determine the type of tumor and
whether it is cancerous or noncancerous. When
the tumor is near the surface of the brain, the
neurosurgeon can usually reach it via craniotomy
(drilling or cutting a small hole through the cra-236 The Nervous System
BRAIN TUMOR SYMPTOMS AND SIGNSTumor Location Common Symptoms and Signs
cerebrum—frontal lobe erratic behavior
emotional outbursts
cognitive dysfunction
memory dysfunction
altered sense of smell
vision impairment
hemiplegia or hemiparesis (PARALYSISor weakness on one side of the body)
awkward, uncoordinated movement
seizures
cerebrum—occipital lobe loss of vision in the upper half or the lower half of the field of vision
seizures
cerebrum—parietal lobe difficulty with language and speech
loss of the ability to write
seizures
loss of PROPRIOCEPTION(spatial orientation)
cerebrum—temporal lobe seizures
disturbances of language processing and articulation
eighth cranial NERVE(vestibulocochlear nerve) tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
HEARING LOSS
midline (center of the ventral surface of the BRAIN) persistent HEADACHE
NAUSEA
NYSTAGMUS
vision disturbances
erratic behavior or personality changes
cerebellum awkward, staggering gait
swaying when standing
lack of coordination
brainstem irritability
inability to concentrate
headache that is especially severe upon waking
disturbances of vision and EYEfunction
nausea and vomiting
MUSCLEweakness