A brain tumor can be a medical emergency depending on the type, size, location and rate of growth. Some key signs that a brain tumor may be an emergency include:
Sudden and Severe Headaches
If someone experiences a sudden, severe headache unlike anything they’ve had before, it could signal bleeding in the brain and requires immediate medical attention. Extreme head pain that does not respond to over-the-counter pain relievers is a red flag.
Seizures
Seizures, especially in someone without a history of epilepsy, can indicate a brain tumor is putting pressure on brain tissue. Seizures represent a major change in neurological function and require emergency care.
Vision Changes
Rapid vision changes like double vision, blurry vision or loss of peripheral vision can mean a tumor is pressing on the optic nerves. Sudden vision changes warrant an urgent trip to the emergency room.
Confusion
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech can occur when a tumor is impairing cognitive functions. Marked mental status changes are considered a neuroemergency.
Difficulty Walking
Problems with balance, coordination or weakness on one side of the body are red flags for a brain tumor compressing motor control centers. Unexplained difficulty walking requires prompt evaluation.
Vomiting
Frequent vomiting without apparent cause may happen if a tumor is obstructing fluid drainage in the brain. Persistent vomiting should not be ignored.
When to Seek Emergency Care
In general, emergency medical care should be sought for any of the following:
- Worst headache of your life
- Sudden seizures or convulsions
- Rapid loss of vision
- Slurred speech or confusion
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- Unexplained vomiting
- Loss of consciousness, even if brief
The sudden onset of these neurological symptoms can signal a medical crisis requiring hospitalization. Call 911 or have someone drive you to the nearest emergency room right away if you experience these signs.
Primary vs. Metastatic Brain Tumors
Brain tumors are classified as either primary or metastatic:
- Primary brain tumors originate and stay in the brain tissue. These include gliomas, meningiomas, pituitary adenomas, vestibular schwannomas, and medulloblastomas.
- Metastatic brain tumors spread from cancers elsewhere in the body to the brain through the bloodstream. The most common cancers that metastasize to the brain are lung, breast, melanoma, kidney and colon.
Both primary and metastatic tumors can cause emergencies if they grow rapidly, bleed, block fluid flow or put pressure on vital brain structures. However, metastases may be more likely to cause sudden problems.
Brain Tumor Emergencies by Type
Certain types of brain tumors are more likely to require emergency treatment:
| Tumor Type | Emergency Risks |
|---|---|
| Glioblastoma | Fast growth, intratumoral bleeding |
| Meningioma | Large size compressing brain |
| Medulloblastoma | Blockage of cerebrospinal fluid |
| Pituitary adenoma | Pressure on optic chiasm |
| Metastases | Rapid growth, bleeding, edema |
What to Expect in the Emergency Room
If a brain tumor is suspected, emergency care focuses on stabilizing the patient and determining if there is bleeding or excess pressure in the brain. Typical emergency room procedures include:
- Physical exam to check neurological function
- Questions about symptoms and medical history
- Blood tests to check for infection or electrolyte imbalances
- CT scan of the head to look for bleeding and swelling
- MRI of the brain to identify tumors or nerve compression
- Consultation with a neurologist or neurosurgeon
- Possibly a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to analyze cerebrospinal fluid
- Medications like corticosteroids to reduce brain swelling
- Admission to the hospital for observation and treatment
If a large tumor is found, surgery may be scheduled urgently to remove it and relieve pressure on the brain. Radiation or chemotherapy may also be used to shrink fast-growing tumors. Prompt treatment can be lifesaving.
Conclusion
Headaches, seizures, vision changes, confusion and difficulty walking can signal an impending neurological emergency. Sudden onset of these symptoms, especially with a known brain tumor diagnosis, should be treated as a 911 event. Emergency care focuses on stabilizing the patient, identifying the tumor and reducing pressure in the brain. Prompt diagnosis and treatment in the ER can prevent permanent brain damage or even death from a brain tumor complication.