Like many brain tumors, gliomatosis cerebri creates increased pressure in the brain, leading to such common symptoms as headache and nausea. Since the tumor can form almost anywhere in the brain or spine, though, gliomatosis cerebri can cause very different symptoms depending on what part of the central nervous system it is affecting. These symptoms may include:
- Seizures
- Weakness or numbness in the limbs
- Fatigue or lethargy
- Partial paralysis on one side of the body
- Problems with language
- Blurred vision, double vision, or other vision problems
- Mood, behavior, or personality changes
- Cognitive changes or dementia
- Memory loss
Most people with headaches do not have brain tumors, of course, but anyone with neurological symptoms like those listed above should be evaluated by a physician. Suspected or confirmed brain tumors should be referred to a neurosurgeon for evaluation (see Doctors Who Treat Gliomatosis Cerebri).