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The brain is enclosed and protected within the skull - a rigid structure comprised of several different bones. When a tumor develops and grows in the brain, it occupies space and exerts pressure on the adjacent parts of the brain. As the pressure within the brain increases (intracranial pressure), it can block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid - a clear fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord - and cause brain edema (swelling).

In adults, glioblastomas occur most often in the cerebrum (the upper portion of the brain consisting of the right and left cerebral hemispheres) that controls consciousness and voluntary processes. Most commonly, glioblastomas develop in the frontal or temporal lobes of the cerebral hemispheres. Glioblastomas rarely develop in the brain stem (the lower portion of the brain consisting of the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata) or the cerebellum (the part of the hindbrain that controls motor coordination and body movement).

The signs and symptoms associated with a brain tumor depend primarily upon the location of the tumor and the extent or severity of the brain edema. The most common signs and symptoms associated with brain tumors include:

• Headaches

  • occur in up to 75% of brain tumor patients
  • often described by patients as "tension headaches" although some patients may experience migraine-type headaches
  • headaches caused by increased intracranial pressure from a brain tumor tend to be more severe, may be accompanied by nausea/vomiting, and are often resistant to analgesics (pain medications)
  • headaches tend to be worse in the morning than during the day or evening

• Seizures

  • occur in 30% to 90% of brain tumor patients
  • typically, seizures develop in patients with malignant gliomas where the tumor spreads and invades surrounding brain tissue or patients with a benign meningioma where the tumor grows and pushes against the brain. *Simple focal seizures involve a simple sensory function (a strange feeling or strange smell) or a simple motor function (a "twitch" in the arms, legs, face). This type of seizure is self-limiting and the patient remains conscious.
  • Complex partial seizures may develop from brain tumors that are located in the frontal or temporal lobes. Patients with this type of seizure may act confused, out of touch with their surroundings, or engage in repetitive movements. This type of seizure may last from a few minutes to several hours with the patient remaining conscious.
  • Generalized tonic-clonic seizures, also known as grand mal seizures, are characterized by loss of consciousness and excessive movements of the extremities (hands and feet). Typically, they are brief in duration (1-2 minutes) although they can last longer.

• Focal Neurological Deficits - In general, the term "focal neurological deficits" refers to the loss of movement, sensation, or function at a specific location in the body. These deficits are due to specific problems that affect the nervous system (e.g., nerve injury or brain tumor). Focal neurological deficits occur in up to 60% of patients with brain tumors. Specific symptoms depend upon the location of the tumor and, in general, may include: