In some cases, yes, they do. Brain tumors can cause numbness and tingling in the face, arms, hands, legs and feet. This is because the brain plays a key role in feeling sensations throughout the body. Sensory receptors send signals through the nerves and spinal nerve roots, up the spinal cord and brain stem to the brain, which then processes the signals. A brain tumor can block this pathway, resulting in numbness and tingling.
Numbness and tingling caused by a brain tumor tend to affect only one side of the body. The site of numbness and tingling will depend on where the tumor is located within the brain.
Other possible causes of numbness and tingling
Numbness and tingling aren’t always a cause for immediate concern. They can result from a number of conditions other than brain tumors, such as:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Insect bites
- Migraines
- Spinal injuries (including herniated discs, spinal tumors and sciatic nerve compression)
- Vitamin B12 deficiencies
Numbness and tingling can even occur after simply remaining in one position for an extended period of time. Nonetheless, it’s always a good idea to get checked out by a physician if you’re experiencing numbness and tingling, especially if accompanied by other symptoms of a brain tumor.
Brain tumor diagnosis at Moffitt
You can rely on Moffitt Cancer Center for diagnosis and, if necessary, treatment. We offer a wide array of neurological evaluations, lab tests and imaging scans, and a multispecialty tumor board collaborates to develop individualized treatment plans for each of our patients. As a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Moffitt has all areas of treatment available in a single location, as well as a robust clinical trials program featuring innovative therapy options that are not yet widely available.
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Michael Vogelbaum, Program Leader, Department of Neuro-Oncology and Chief of Neurosurgery.
We don’t require referrals to visit Moffitt Cancer Center. To request an appointment, call us at 1-888-663-3488 or complete a new patient registration form online.
FAQs
In some cases, yes, they do. Brain tumors can cause numbness and tingling in the face, arms, hands, legs and feet. This is because the brain plays a key role in feeling sensations throughout the body.
What was your first brain tumor symptoms? ›
They may include:
- Headaches, which are often the first symptom. ...
- Seizures. ...
- Changes in mental function, mood or personality. ...
- Changes in speech (trouble finding words, talking incoherently, inability to express or understand language)
- Changes in the ability to hear, smell or see, including double or blurred vision.
A brain tumour can cause headaches, but it is unusual for this to be the only symptom. Headaches are usually dull and constant, and sometimes throbbing. Most people get headaches from time to time, often because of stress or tension.
Can brain lesions cause tingling? ›
“If the lesion is located on the right brain sensory fibers, symptoms would be left-sided tingling (with or without numbness/pain) and can involve the whole left side, including the face, arm, and leg,” says Dr. Lulu. Smaller lesions may affect only the face, or only part of the hand and leg.
How I knew I had a brain tumor tingling? ›
Weakness or numbness in the face, arms or legs.
The brain plays an important role in feeling sensations throughout the body. So brain tumors can cause numbness and tingling in the face, arms, hands, legs and feet.
What cancers cause numbness and tingling? ›
Cancers that may lead to numbness include:
- A tumor of the cerebrum, which controls sensation and movement.
- A spinal cord tumor which may cause numbness on both sides of the body and cause coordination impairments in the arms and/or legs.
Symptoms of a brain tumour
seizures (fits) persistently feeling sick (nausea), being sick (vomiting) and drowsiness. mental or behavioural changes, such as memory problems or changes in personality. progressive weakness or paralysis on one side of the body.
What does an undiagnosed brain tumor feel like? ›
Common symptoms of brain tumours include headaches, feeling or being sick and seizures (fits). These symptoms and the others listed below are often caused by other medical conditions. But if you have any of them, it's important to see your doctor.
When should you suspect a brain tumor? ›
Diagnosing brain tumors. We sometimes find brain tumors when otherwise healthy people suddenly have a seizure, unusual weakness or speech problems. If you have these symptoms, go to an emergency room. If ER doctors suspect a brain tumor, they may send you to us for a full evaluation.
How can I rule out a brain tumor at home? ›
It's not possible to self-diagnose a brain tumor, and doing so may delay the medical care you need. It's important that you visit a healthcare professional if you have any unusual symptoms, including symptoms that could be indications of a brain tumor, such as a worsening headache, seizures, or visual changes.
Many people know that numbness, weakness or tingling on one side of the body can be a sign of a stroke, Black says. But they may not realize it can also indicate a brain tumor. One difference is that tingling caused by a tumor may come and go for months, but stroke symptoms tend to persist.
Why is my head numb and tingling? ›
Conditions that affect the nerves may cause tingling in the head or face. These include infections, diabetes, MS, occipital neuralgia, and trigeminal neuralgia. Other possible causes include anxiety, migraine, head injuries, seizures, and autoimmune conditions. Some medications can also cause tingling as a side effect.
Can a brain tumor cause neuropathy? ›
The tumor could result in optic neuropathy either as a result of a direct tumor or due to elevated intracranial pressure and optic nerve damage. Cranial nerve VI, III and IV dysfunction result in diplopia (double vision) and optic nerve involvement causing visual blurring.
What is neurological tingling? ›
Numbness and tingling typically occur due to problems with the nervous or circulatory systems. Numbness and tingling can be temporary, but persistent symptoms may result from a more severe condition, such as a stroke. Numbness and tingling are types of temporary paresthesia.
What are the symptoms of a brain tumor in the nerves? ›
Tumors in or near other cranial nerves might lead to hearing loss (in one or both ears), balance problems, weakness of some facial muscles, facial numbness or pain, or trouble swallowing.
What are the symptoms of a uncommon brain tumor? ›
Changes in personality, mood, ability to focus, or behavior. Loss of balance and trouble walking. Weakness. Unusual sleepiness or change in activity level.
