Brain Tumors

What is a Brain Tumor?

Tumors originating from the brain's own tissue are called brain tumors. Primary cancer refers to cancers seen in the brain tissue, skull, nerves, brain membrane, or muscles surrounding the skull. Cancers that form elsewhere in the body and later reach the brain through metastasis, causing tumors, are called secondary cancers.

In the normal life cycle of cells, there is formation, growth, aging, and death. When cells die, new ones proliferate in their place. The proliferation of new cells occurs only when needed. However, when it comes to brain cancer, the destruction and proliferation of cells go beyond the normal course. As a result, unnecessary cells are produced, and cells that should die continue to survive, leading to cell accumulation. This causes tumors to form. However, not every tumor is considered cancer. Therefore, tumors formed in the brain are referred to as brain tumors.

Types of Brain Tumors

Brain tumors are generally divided into two categories: benign and malignant.

Benign Brain Tumors

Brain tumors are generally divided into two categories: benign and malignant. Benign brain tumors are further classified into various subcategories.

Meningioma

Tumors that grow in the meninges, the membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord, are called meningiomas. Although they are not one of the brain tumors, they can press on nearby brain tissues, nerves, and blood vessels. Meningiomas, the most common type of tumor in the skull, usually grow slowly.

For this reason, they can continue to grow for many years without causing any symptoms. However, sometimes due to pressure on nearby brain tissue, nerves, or blood vessels, they can cause severe disabilities. This type of brain tumor is more common in women and typically occurs in older age. In some cases, it is also seen in younger patients.

Due to their slow growth and generally lack of symptoms, they do not always require treatment. However, if they cause symptoms, the following symptoms may occur. These symptoms can rarely be seen in the spine as well.

• Changes in vision, such as double vision or blurred vision
• Speech problems
• Headache, especially in the morning
• Weakness in the arms or legs
• Hearing loss
• Ringing in the ears
• Seizures
• Memory loss
• Loss of smell

Intracranial Dermoid Cyst

A dermoid cyst is a sac-like growth containing structures such as hair, fluid, teeth, or skin glands. Intracranial dermoid cysts refer to dermoid cysts that develop anywhere in the skull. These cysts form when skin and skin structures become trapped during early fetal development. These cysts are not preventable, and nothing done or not done can cause these cysts.

Dermoid cysts, which generally do not show any symptoms, are usually discovered by chance. Despite their slow growth tendency, in some cases, they can cause various neurological symptoms, such as headaches, due to pressure on the brain and nearby structures.

Epidermoid

Rare epidermoid cysts originate from multilayered squamous epithelium along the brain surface. They are often seen around the brainstem, pituitary gland, and cerebellar margins.

Colloid Cyst

Colloid cysts are benign, fluid-filled sacs that appear in the brain's third ventricle. The most common surgical treatments for colloid cysts include shunt placement, craniotomy, and endoscopic craniotomy. In some cases, observation alone is sufficient.

These cysts are filled with a protein-rich fluid and are not true brain tumors but are classified as cysts. However, they are classified as intraventricular tumors and can cause symptoms requiring intervention.

In normal circumstances, cerebrospinal fluid circulates through the brain's ventricular system, nourishing and cushioning the brain and spinal cord. Colloid cysts can interfere with the body's ability to maintain proper fluid balance and circulation.

The third ventricle is located deep within the brain, near the center of the head. Colloid cysts most commonly attach to the roof of the third ventricle or to the choroid plexus, a structure in the center of the third ventricle. Both of these locations are near important pathways for fluid and blood circulation.

If a cyst obstructs the flow of cerebrospinal fluid through the foramen of Monro, it can lead to hydrocephalus and increased intracranial pressure, potentially causing serious, and in rare cases, life-threatening consequences.

Pituitary Adenomas

Benign growths in the pituitary gland are called pituitary adenomas. Unlike cancer, they do not spread to other parts of the body. However, as pituitary adenomas grow, they can press on nearby structures and cause various symptoms. The symptoms caused by pituitary adenomas include:

• Headache
• Hormonal deficiency
• Infertility in both men and women due to excessive prolactin secretion
• Milky discharge from the nipples in people who are not pregnant or breastfeeding due to excessive prolactin secretion
• Excessive growth hormone secretion
• Excessive secretion of steroid hormones
• Excessive TSH secretion

Neurinomas

Also known as acoustic neuroma, these growths develop on the main nerve that runs from the inner ear to the brain. This nerve is called the vestibular nerve. Tumors in these nerves, which directly affect hearing and balance, can lead to hearing loss, balance problems, and tinnitus.

Hemangioblastoma

Non-cancerous benign tumors typically grow in the linings of blood vessels in the brain, spinal cord, or tissues behind the eyes. When a hemangioblastoma grows, it can press on surrounding tissues and cause symptoms. The symptoms caused by hemangioblastoma include:

• Balance problems
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Chordomas

Chordomas are slow-growing tumors typically beginning at the base of the skull and lower part of the spine.

Gangliocytomas

Gangliocytomas are rare tumors that arise in nerve cells and are classified into two types: anaplastic gangliocytomas and gangliocytomas.

Glomus Jugulare

This type of brain tumor typically occurs just below the base of the skull, at the top of the carotid artery. The most common type is glomus tumors.

Pineocytomas

These tumors, which tend to grow slowly, form in the pineal gland, which secretes the hormone melatonin deep within the brain.

Schwannomas

Schwannomas are the most common type of benign brain tumor in adults. They develop in the schwann cells of the peripheral nervous system or cranial nerves. These cells help transmit nerve impulses. The most common type is acoustic neuromas.

Symptoms of Benign Brain Tumors

Symptoms of benign brain tumors vary depending on their size and location in the brain. Some slow-growing tumors may not cause any symptoms initially. When symptoms appear, it is due to the tumor pressing on the brain and interfering with the normal functioning of a specific area of the brain.

Increased Pressure on the Brain

Common symptoms of increased pressure in the skull include:

• Persistent headaches
• Headaches that worsen in the morning, when bending over, or when coughing
• Constant nausea
• Drowsiness
• Vision problems such as double vision, blurred vision, loss of part of the visual field, and temporary vision loss
• Seizures, which can affect the entire body or cause twitching in just one area

Tumor Location

Different areas of the brain control different functions. Therefore, the symptoms of a brain tumor vary depending on its location. Generally, the location of the tumor and the symptoms that may be seen include:

• If the tumor is in the frontal lobe, personality changes, weakness on one side of the body, and loss of smell may occur.
• If the tumor is in the temporal lobe, language problems, memory loss, and seizures may occur.
• Tumors in the parietal lobe may cause issues such as aphasia, numbness, or weakness on one side of the body.
• If the tumor is in the occipital lobe, symptoms such as loss of vision in one part of the visual field may occur.
• If the tumor is in the cerebellum, balance problems, nystagmus, and vomiting may occur.
• If the tumor is in the brainstem, balance problems, difficulty walking, facial twitching, double vision, and difficulty speaking and swallowing may occur.

Malignant Brain Tumors

Malignant brain tumors are also known as brain cancer. They are divided into various subtypes.

Glioma

Gliomas are tumors that start in the brain or spinal cord and have cells similar to healthy glial cells in the brain. Glial cells surround and support nerve cells. When these cells grow abnormally, they form a mass of cells called a tumor.

As the tumor grows, it can press on brain or spinal cord tissue, causing symptoms. The symptoms vary depending on which part of the brain or spinal cord is affected.

There are many different types of gliomas. Some types grow slowly and are not considered cancerous, while others are cancerous. Additionally, some types of gliomas are more common in adults, while others are more commonly seen in children.

The types of gliomas include:

• Ependymoma
• Astrocytoma
• Glioblastoma
• Oligodendroglioma

The symptoms of glioma can include:

• Severe headache, especially in the morning
• Nausea and vomiting
• Memory loss
• Personality changes
• Confusion or a decline in brain functions, such as problems with thinking and understanding information
• Irritability
• Vision problems
• Difficulty speaking
• Seizures

Ependymomas

Ependymomas are tumors that start in ependymal cells in the brain or spinal cord, lining the pathways that carry cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. There are different types of ependymomas. Some types grow slowly and are generally not considered cancerous.

However, benign ependymomas can press on surrounding tissue. Malignant ependymomas can grow aggressively, invading or destroying nearby tissue, and can spread within the brain.

This type of brain tumor can occur at any age but is most common in young children. In children, it can cause headaches and seizures, while in adults, it is more likely to occur in the spinal cord. One of the most significant symptoms is weakness in the area controlled by the affected nerves.

Oligodendrogliomas

This type of brain tumor starts in cells called oligodendrocytes in the brain and is the most common type of brain tumor in adults. These cells are known for producing a substance that helps protect nerve cells and facilitate the flow of electrical signals between the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms caused by this brain tumor include seizures, weakness, or disability in certain parts of the head and body. Additionally, the symptoms may vary depending on the location of the tumor.

Astrocytoma

Astrocytomas start in cells called astrocytes in the brain. Some types of astrocytomas are not considered cancerous because they grow slowly. Astrocytes support and connect nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. A significant portion of astrocytomas is malignant and grows rapidly.

Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma is a rapidly growing tumor that starts in cells called astrocytes, which support nerve cells. Although it can occur at any age, it is more likely to affect older adults.

Symptoms of this brain tumor can include worsening headaches, nausea and vomiting, blurred or double vision, difficulty speaking, changes in the sense of touch, and seizures. Additionally, balance coordination and problems in the moving parts of the face or body can also occur. There is no cure for this type of brain tumor, but the growth of cancer can be slowed, and the effects of symptoms can be reduced.

Medulloblastoma

This type of malignant tumor forms at the base of the skull and is the most common type of brain cancer in children, growing rapidly.

Embryonal Tumors

Embryonal tumors start in cells left over from fetal development. These cells, called embryonal cells, remain in the brain after birth. Embryonal tumors are malignant brain tumors that are most commonly seen in infants and young children. They usually occur in the lower rear part of the brain called the cerebellum.

Symptoms of Malignant Brain Tumors

Malignant brain tumors are generally referred to as brain cancer. The symptoms they cause vary depending on the area where the tumor is located. However, common symptoms seen in patients include:

• Headaches that worsen in the morning, when coughing, or when straining
• Seizures
• Constant nausea
• Vomiting
• Personality changes
• Weakness
• Vision problems
• Worsening speech problems

Stages of Brain Tumors

As with any cancer type, brain cancer also has stages. Correctly determining these stages is important for planning a successful treatment.

Grade 1 Brain Tumor

In this stage, the least malignant brain tumors, the cells appear almost normal under microscopic examination.

Grade 1 Brain Tumor Symptoms

The first symptoms of this stage, where headaches begin to appear, include:

• The least aggressive type of brain cancer.
• Localized.
• Has well-defined borders.
• Has potential effects on neurological functions.

Grade 2 Brain Tumor

In grade 2 brain cancer, the appearance of cancerous cells under a microscope becomes more distinctive. Some abnormalities start to appear in the cells, though only slightly. In this stage, cancerous cells grow relatively slowly. At this stage, the borders of the tumor are more defined, making them easier to identify.

Grade 2 Brain Tumor Symptoms

Symptoms of grade 2 brain tumors, which grow slower compared to grade 1 brain tumors, include:

• There is a possibility of spreading to surrounding tissues.
• There is a possibility of recurrence after treatment.
• In some types, the tumor may grow slowly and not cause significant symptoms.

Grade 3 Brain Tumor

Similar to the second stage, but in this stage, cancer cells spread more rapidly and actively. Recurrence is also possible.

Grade 3 Brain Tumor Symptoms

Symptoms of grade 3 brain tumors, which grow faster than grade 1 and 2 brain tumors, include:

• It has invasive abnormal cells.
• They are considered malignant.
• There is a possibility of aggressive spread to surrounding tissues.
• Due to their location in hard-to-reach areas, complete removal is difficult.

Grade 4 Brain Cancer

This is the most malignant and advanced stage of brain cancer. Microscopic examination reveals deformities in the cells. They multiply rapidly, damaging nearby normal brain tissues. Dead cells are located at the center of the tumor.

Grade 4 Brain Tumor Symptoms

The symptoms of grade 4 brain cancer, the most severe stage, include:

• It contains highly abnormal cells that invade surrounding brain tissues.
• They form their own blood vessels to support their rapid growth.
• Due to their aggressive nature, achieving complete recovery may be difficult.

Symptoms of Brain Tumors

Brain tumors have some characteristic symptoms that are seen in almost all patients. These include:

• Memory loss,
• Personality disorders,
• Speech disorders,
• Weakness and loss of strength in the arms and legs,
• Tingling sensation in the arms and legs,
• Fainting or seizures,
• Nausea,
• Vomiting,
• Double vision,
• Blurred vision,
• Headache, especially at night

Symptoms of Brain Tumors in Children

Symptoms of brain tumors in children differ from those seen in adults. In addition, the symptoms in children depend on the growth rate and type of tumor. Moreover, the similarity of some symptoms in children to other diseases makes it difficult to diagnose brain tumors in children. The general symptoms caused by brain tumors in children include:

• Severe and frequent headaches
• Increased pressure in the head
• Unexplained nausea and vomiting
• Sudden onset of vision problems

In addition to these symptoms, other symptoms may occur depending on the location of the tumor. These symptoms include:

• Bulging fontanelles in infants
• The onset of seizures in children with no history of seizures
• Abnormal eye movements
• Speech disorder
• Loss of appetite
• Feeding difficulty in infants
• Difficulty swallowing
• Balance problems
• Difficulty walking
• Weakness and loss of sensation in the arms and legs
• Hearing problems
• Personality and behavioral changes
• Memory problems
• Irritability
• Sagging or weakness on one side of the face

Causes of Brain Tumors

The exact causes of brain tumors are not known. However, it has been proven that some brain cancers, such as Von Hippel-Lindau, are genetically inherited. In addition, there are some risk factors that trigger the formation of brain cancer. The first of these risk factors is gender. Brain cancers are more common in men than in women, but meningiomas are more common in women.

Another risk factor is race. Brain cancer is more common in Caucasians. Age also increases the risk of brain cancer. Brain cancers are more likely to occur in people over 70, while cerebellar tumors are more common in people under 10. The last factor that increases the risk of brain cancer is family history. People with a family history of brain gliomas are at higher risk of developing brain cancer. In addition, head trauma, radiation, certain viruses, certain hormones, and certain azo chemical dyes are among the factors that increase the risk of brain cancer.

How Is Brain Cancer Diagnosed?

Brain cancer is a disease that can be easily diagnosed. Three methods are used for diagnosis. The first method is clinical examination. Listening to the patient's complaints and history, followed by a neurological examination, is an important step in making a diagnosis.

Next, imaging methods are used. Detailed information about the location, size, and type of the tumor is obtained using CT and MRI. Finally, a biopsy is required for some types of brain cancer.

Brain Cancer Treatment

The planning of brain cancer treatment is influenced by factors such as the size, location, and type of the tumor. Depending on these factors, three different treatment methods can be applied. These treatments can be applied separately or together.

Brain Tumor Surgery

Surgery is the first treatment method chosen, especially for benign brain tumors, when the tumor's location is suitable for surgery. It is one of the golden rules in the treatment of brain cancer. If the type of cancer is malignant, radiation therapy should be applied after surgery.

The success of surgery for benign tumors is directly proportional to the experience of the surgical team. It is the most successful treatment method for patients suitable for tumor removal. For malignant tumors, radiation therapy is needed after surgery to ensure complete removal.

However, in some types of brain tumors, monitoring without surgery is sufficient. Especially for congenital and benign tumors, there is generally no need for removal.

Complications After Brain Tumor Surgery

While most of these complications seen after surgery are minor, some complications can be life-threatening. It is necessary to intervene in these serious complications as soon as possible.

General complications that may occur after surgical procedures include:

• Infection
• Allergic reaction to medication or blood products
• Blood clot formation
• Surgical wound opening
• Chest and respiratory problems
• Bleeding

Patients may feel worse after brain surgeries because the operations performed to remove brain tumors are major surgical procedures. For this reason, it may take time to feel the benefits of surgery. However, brain swelling due to edema after surgery requires immediate intervention. Symptoms that may occur in patients if this complication arises include:

• Headache
• Blurred vision
• Weakness
• Seizures
• Dizziness
• Speech problems
• Poor balance
• Loss of coordination
• Confusion
• Personality changes
• Behavioral changes

While some patients recover well after brain surgery, others may experience long-term complications. Long-term issues can vary depending on the area from which the tumor was removed. Additionally, incomplete removal of the tumor can lead to long-term complications. Long-term complications that may occur after brain surgery include:

• Epilepsy
• Difficulty walking
• Fatigue
• Weakness in the arms and legs
• Speech problems
• Inability to concentrate
• Memory problems
  Behavioral changes
  

Post-Surgery Care After Brain Tumor Surgery

Brain tumor surgeries can be very extensive operations. Therefore, patients need to be carefully monitored after surgery. Most patients are discharged within a few days after surgery. The points to be considered immediately after surgery or upon discharge include:

• When the patient fully awakens, it is necessary to ensure they have no difficulty swallowing by giving water through the nurses.
• Normal eating begins only after the patient starts drinking water correctly.
• Since it is one of the major surgeries, patients need to rest without straining themselves for a few days after surgery.
• Depending on the type of surgery performed, some patients need to rest horizontally, while others need to have their head elevated.
• Patients should regularly move their arms and legs while in bed. This helps maintain muscle tone and prevents blood clots.
• While in the hospital, patients should take deep breaths every hour after surgery.
• As soon as it is safe to stand up, patients should get out of bed and start moving.
• Patients should wait for their doctor's permission before driving after brain surgery.
• Normally, air travel is allowed six weeks after brain surgery. If patients need to fly earlier, they should consult their doctor.
• After the recovery period, patients can resume sports activities. However, contact sports like boxing should be avoided.
• The decision on when to return to work should be based on the nature of the patient's job and the area affected by the surgery.
• After brain surgery, patients are more sensitive to alcohol. Therefore, they should avoid alcohol consumption for some time after surgery. They should also consult their doctor regarding alcohol consumption limits.
• There is no medical necessity to avoid sexual activity after brain surgery. However, due to fatigue or changes in sexual desire, patients may feel less inclined to engage in sexual activity.

Recovery Process After Brain Tumor Surgery

The recovery process after brain tumors varies depending on the type of tumor. However, in general, patients need to spend the night in the neuro-critical care unit after surgery. During this period, patients will be connected to a heart monitor, IVs, oxygen, and a catheter.

A bandage will be applied for 1-2 days after surgery. After the first night, patients will be closely monitored in the brain surgery department. After surgery, patients need to get out of bed, take short walks, and start eating. Acetaminophen is used to manage pain after surgery. In addition, stronger pain relievers may be administered to patients with severe pain.

The hospital stay for brain tumor surgery generally ranges from 2 to 5 days. During this period, CT and MRI scans are performed to assess the success of the surgery.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is applied to patients who cannot undergo surgery due to the location of malignant tumors or after surgery for malignant tumors. This treatment uses high-energy rays. The plan for radiotherapy is determined based on the size, type, age of the patient, and neurological findings. The important goal of this treatment, which aims to kill or suppress tumor cells, is to protect the healthy tissues surrounding the tumor.

Chemotherapy

The goal of chemotherapy is to prevent the proliferation of cancer cells by administering drugs to patients. It is especially used for treating malignant brain cancers. In general, it helps patients live longer.

Brain Tumors and Nutrition

Many studies have proven that different diets reduce cancer risk. However, there is not enough research to prove the effects of nutrition on cancer patients. Research in this area is still ongoing.

Research on the reactions of cancer cells to different diets is conducted in laboratory settings and with patient participation. So far, laboratory studies have shown that calorie-restricted and ketogenic diets, which involve limited carbohydrate consumption, can inhibit the growth of cancer cells. By reducing carbohydrate intake by 30-40%, it is possible to slow down the progression of many types of cancer. On the other hand, it has been observed that cancer cells grow faster when consuming high levels of carbohydrates and fats.

In addition, patient studies on highly aggressive brain tumors such as glioblastoma have shown that nutrition plays an important role in disease control. With the right nutritional plan, it has been proven that the life expectancy of patients with advanced glioblastoma can be extended by 3-5 years.

The first food group that advanced brain tumor patients should eliminate from their diet is sugar. Since sugar is part of the carbohydrate group, studies on low-carbohydrate diets support these studies on brain tumors.

The macro nutrient that brain tumor patients should add to their diet is healthy fats. The goal is to obtain the body's necessary energy from healthy fats. In addition, studies have shown that vitamins and minerals that support cell regeneration should be added to the diet.

Brain cancer patients should strictly adhere to the diets they apply to improve their overall health and suppress cancerous cells. It is also important for patients to stay in constant communication with their doctors during this process. Regular check-ups are also important to monitor how the liver and kidneys are affected by the diet.

Studies conducted on advanced brain cancer patients have determined that patients should pay attention to the following points regarding their diet:

• Avoid consuming packaged foods
• Avoid foods containing sweeteners and artificial additives
• Ensure that the flour used does not contain bran
• Consume gluten-free foods
• Choose dairy products that do not contain casein
• Consume fermented dairy products like kefir
• Avoid consuming refined sugar
• Choose dried apricots and dates as sweeteners
• Ensure that vegetables, fruits, and meats are sourced from safe production sites
• Drink chlorine-free water
• Consume water with high mineral content
• Take iodine supplements if necessary
• Closely monitor gut flora

In addition, patients should pay attention to oral hygiene. Because toxins that accumulate in the mouth can negatively affect patients. It is recommended that patients perform oil pulling with coconut oil in the morning. It is also important to ensure that the toothpaste used does not contain fluoride and bran.

These dietary changes not only suppress cancer cells but also improve patients' psychology and increase their motivation. Additionally, they help reduce the side effects of the drugs used during treatment. As a result of the diet, patients' taste senses improve, and their life expectancy is extended.

Signs of Death in Brain Tumor Patients

It is crucial to ensure that patients are as comfortable as possible in the final stages of a brain tumor. Drowsiness is the characteristic symptom seen in patients in their final stages. Other symptoms that may occur in patients during this period include:

• Increased frequency of headaches
• Loss of appetite
• Agitation
• Delirium
• Hallucinations
• Agonal breathing
• Increased pain
• Decreased bladder function
• Cool skin
• Involuntary movements

How Long Do Brain Tumor Patients Live?

The survival rate of brain tumor patients varies depending on various factors. Especially the stage of the tumor, prognostic factors, and the patient's overall health are influential. Additionally, survival rates are statistical numbers, and the life expectancy of patients can vary. The expected survival rates for brain tumor patients based on age are:

• The 5-year survival rate for patients under the age of 15 is 75%.
• The 5-year survival rate for patients aged 15 to 39 is 72%.
• The 5-year survival rate for people over 40 is 52%.

In addition, the overall 5-year survival rate for brain cancer patients is 36%. The 10-year survival rate is over 30%.

Brain Tumors and Vision

Pressure from a brain tumor on the eye center can cause vision problems in patients. These problems progress gradually. As the tumor grows, it exerts more pressure on the optic nerves, leading to vision loss.

Tumors that affect the eye grow in the eye socket as well as in the nerves, muscles, and connective tissues that control eye movements. Brain cancer types that cause visual impairments include:

• Fibrous histiocytomas
• Sarcomas
• Metastatic cancer
• Paranasal sinus tumors
• Osteomas

Seizures Associated with Brain Tumors

Not everyone with a brain tumor experiences abnormal electrical activity, known as seizures. However, for those who do, a seizure is often the first symptom of a brain tumor and quickly initiates the diagnostic process. The type and location of the brain tumor are factors that make some people more susceptible to seizures than others.

Seizures associated with brain tumors can occur frequently and may continue throughout the brain tumor treatment process. Seizures can endanger independence and overall quality of life, and in some cases, they can pose additional significant health risks.

A seizure is caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Tumor-associated seizures occur when neurons inside and around the tumor become hyperactive. Although it is not always clear why some tumor types cause seizures, certain factors, such as tumor location, tumor type, genetic factors, and the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, may contribute.

The frequency of seizures may depend on whether the brain tumor is primary or metastatic. Seizures are more common in people with low-grade brain tumors and less common in those with high-grade tumors. The location of the tumor is another important factor. Brain tumors located close to the surface of the brain are known to be more likely to cause seizures.

Various characteristics of brain tumors can affect the type and frequency of seizures. One such characteristic is the type of brain tumor. The likelihood of seizures associated with different tumor types is as follows:

• In neuroglial and gangliogliomas, the likelihood of seizures ranges from 80% to 100%.
• In oligodendrogliomas, the likelihood of seizures ranges from 70% to 90%.
• Low-grade gliomas cause seizures in 60% to 85% of cases.
• Epilepsy is observed in 40% of people with glioblastoma, and 20% experience seizures later on.

Seizures associated with brain tumors can cause various symptoms. Generally, a seizure can result in the following physical changes:

• Twitching and convulsions
• Staring spells
• Temporary loss of bowel control and incontinence
• Loss of consciousness

Other symptoms that may occur with seizures associated with brain tumors include:

• Intense emotions
• Difficulty speaking or understanding words
• Numbness or tingling sensation
• Lip smacking or chewing
• Unusual smells or tastes
• Wandering
• Muscle stiffness or twitching
• Hallucinations
• Déjà vu sensation
• Uncontrolled laughing or crying