Symptoms
The main symptoms of course dependent on the precise location of the tumor, its growth rate and by the reaction of the surrounding brain tissue. In addition, the growth of tumors can inhibit cerebrospinal fluid circulation (CSF flow) in the posterior fossa, which can lead to hydrocephalus (water in the brain) with increased intracranial pressure. Often the initial symptoms of these tumors are nausea and vomiting, followed later by balance and gait disturbances, and also headaches, double vision, dizziness, hearing loss, and numbness in the face.
MRI image Sagittal T1-weighted with contrast agent of a patient with cerebellar tumor near the bottom of the
4th ventricle (cerebrospinal fluid chamber). It is also possible to spot an extension of the brain water chambers
and a shift of the brain stem to the front.
