Brain Tumours

Brain Tumour Australia Information
© FACT SHEET 27
Possible effects of brain tumours
behaviour problem depends on whether the tumour is

Tumour Effects situated on the left or right side only.
Some of the effects of a brain tumour described here may be
relevant, or they may not. Temporal lobes
Changes may result in problems with short-term memory,
Important and long term memory may be interfered with. In addition the
As individual parts of the brain controls the various things that following differences may be experienced.
we do, some of the following experiences may occur, or they
may not. Each person is unique and consequently may not 1.Personality
ever undergo any of these changes. Decreased/increased interest in sexual behaviour
Talk persistently (right lobe)
Increased aggressive behaviour
2.Intellectual
Difficulty in understanding spoken language. This is
because it may be difficult to distinguish the
Different speech sounds. The ability to alter or
change speech and correct errors may not occur
because of a lack of awareness that speaking
problems have arisen. Speech frequently be
comes unintelligible.
However, written language may still be understood
Difficulty in recognition of peoples faces, or
identifying or categorising objects
Parietal lobes
The following problems may occur:
Frontal Lobes Inability to name objects
Changes to a person's personality and intellect often occur Inability to locate the correct words for writing &
problems with reading
1. Personality Changes in the ability to perform calculations and
Loss of spontaneity in interaction with family/friends etc mathematical tasks
Unable to be flexible in thinking processes Difficulty drawing
Mood changes Difficulty in distinguishing right from left
Changes in social behaviour, eg. Impulsive may Difficulties with hand/eye coordination
swear, tell off-colour jokes Self care & body awareness. Individuals may
Unrealistic optimism, lack of initiative and neglect one half of their body while bathing,
Spontaneity dressing or combing hair
2.Intellectual Difficulties with touch, pain, temperature or body
Difficulty with problem solving Position
Inability to focus on task Problems with spatial location. Individuals may
Inability to plan a sequence of complex movements have difficulties finding their way about; judging the size
required to complete multi stepped tasks eg. of objects or distance from them;
making a cup of tea, a meal etc remembering where furniture is in the room
Individuals with frontal tumours may become stuck at © All Rights Reserved. The content provided remains the intellectual property of
L.J Cross , prepared :1998, revised: 2000, 02, 04, 07, 08,09,2010 This guide may not
any of the stages of the thinking process. This type of be reproduced in any form without the written permission of www.btai.com.au
Brain Tumour Australia Information
© FACT SHEET 28
Possible Effects & Managing Symptoms
The Brain- Managing Symptoms

Occipital lobes
The following may prove difficult:
Changes to visual field - deficits in vision Clinical Symptoms
Identifying colours Brain swelling and pressure in the head
Inability to recognise words The presence of a tumour in the brain can cause problems in
Difficulty in recognising items in drawings - visual the area surrounding the tumour. These problems can
illusions involve swelling or oedema of the tissue. Medication can be
Seeing objects inaccurately taken to reduce the swelling and the pressure that it applies
Difficulty with reading and writing to other areas of the brain. This medication most commonly
Experiencing visual hallucinations used for this is Dexamethasone
[ see FACT SHEET 19]
Cerebellum
The following difficulties may be experienced: Physical Symptoms
An inability to reach for and handle objects If nausea occur ask your treating doctor for medication to
Speech may be slurred reduce or prevent symptoms
Reduced ability to coordinate fine motor skills eg.
Hand to eye coordination, scratching the nose, Also a referral to a dietician may assist with nutritional
writing etc strategies to reduce nausea
Walking may be affected
Tremors may occur If headaches occur ask your treating doctor for medication to
reduce symptoms [ Remember not everyone diagnosed with
Limbic system a brain tumours experiences headaches]
(found in the central part of the brain near the temporal lobe)
If changes occur in body movements which effect
Tumours may cause problems with: independence; ask for a referral to a physiotherapist or occu-
Memory and learning pational therapist
Problems with emotions eg. Individuals may not be
able to control their emotions. (they may cry over If difficulties occur with speech or language ask for a
nothing or they may laugh when it is not referral to a speech pathologist
appropriate). Sometimes individuals may realise
that their tears or laughter is not an appropriate Cognitive Symptoms
response but may be unable to stop it happening If it is evident that difficulties are occurring with memory,
reading and completing usual tasks seek a referral to a
Brain stem Neuro-psychologist
Difficulties may be experienced with the following:
Swallowing Check the FACT SHEETS for strategies to assist both the
Breathing person diagnosed with the brain tumour and the care giver
Digestion
Body temperature (eg. Perspiration)
Blood pressure
Balance
Ability to sleep/relax
The brain receives messages from the brain stem to keep it

in a state of awakedness. Damage to the brain stem may
result in increased periods of unconsciousness.

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Brain Tumour Australia Information

behaviour problem depends on whether the tumour is

The Brain- Managing Symptoms

The brain receives messages from the brain stem to keep it

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