Brain tumors are serious health problems that need to be addressed as quickly as possible to prevent more damage from being done. Unfortunately, brain tumors aren’t very easy to identify without the assistance of medical imaging devices. Instead, you have to look for some symptoms that suggest a tumor may be the source of your problem. Today, we share five subtle signs that a brain tumor may be causing cognitive impairment.

5 Brain Tumor Symptoms

If you notice any of these symptoms in yourself, a loved one or a friend, consider helping them set up an appointment with a neurologist:

1. Memory Loss – If you find it difficult to remember names or dates, it could be a sign of cognitive impairment due to a brain tumor. Memory loss can be associated with numerous other conditions like Alzheimer’s or dementia, so even if it’s not a tumor, the person could benefit from speaking with a neurologist. Forgetting names happens to everyone at one point or another, but if you find yourself forgetting names on a regular basis, or your parents are forgetting the names of people they’ve known for a long time, set up a visit with a specialist.

2. Forgetting What You’re Doing – Similar to memory loss, forgetting what you’re doing in the middle of doing it is another telltale sign of a neurological issue. Many patients who are found to have a a brain tumor seem normal one minute, and then forget what they are doing the next. If you find yourself wondering why you’re driving to the store, or you walk into the kitchen and can’t remember why you walked there in the first place, you’ll want to visit a specialist.

3. Mood Swings – If a level-headed family member is showing episodes of mood swings, they may be dealing with the onset of a brain tumor. Now, we all have stresses in our lives that we shield from the world and try to cope through with the best of our abilities, and these stresses can lead to mood swings, but if you notice that you’re experiencing heavy highs and lows for no apparent reason, there’s a chance a tumor could be affecting the electrical signals in your brain.

4. Difficulty Concentrating – Work and family life can be hectic, meaning it’s not so easy to take a deep breath and focus on what needs to be done, but the inability to concentrate is another subtle sign of a potential brain tumor. These tumors can put pressure on areas of our brain that leave us feeling foggy, confused or unable to concentrate. If you or a loved are having difficulty focusing or concentrating, head in for an exam.

5. Sensory Slow Downs – A brain tumor can also cause sensory problems with any of our senses. A brain tumor can affect our ability to taste foods, it can cause blurred vision, ringing in your ears and much more. If your senses seem to be deceiving you, it could be the sign of a neurological issue. Talk to your doctor about your problem sooner rather than later.