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Brain tumours can cause a variety of symptoms, including muscle weakness. Tumours can form anywhere in the body, including the brain and spinal cord, which make up the central nervous system. Depending on the type and location of the tumour, symptoms may not be present, or they can kill or displace healthy cells, impacting their function. Muscle weakness is a loss of muscle strength that affects movement, and it is a common symptom of brain tumours. It can manifest as unilateral or bilateral weakness, impacting one or both sides of the body. Other symptoms of brain tumours include seizures, headaches, fatigue, and vision or hearing loss. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle weakness | Loss of muscle strength that affects movement or activity |
| Cause | Tumors in the motor area of the brain, which coordinates voluntary movement |
| Tumor characteristics | Can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous); can occur anywhere in the brain or spinal cord |
| Symptoms | Headaches, seizures, fatigue, abnormal eye movements, trouble swallowing, trouble walking, weakness or drooping of one side of the face, loss of appetite or weight loss, slurred speech, nausea, vomiting, personality changes, difficulties with speech, vision or hearing loss, problems with learning or memory, etc. |
| Treatment | Corticosteroids to reduce weakness; self-care activities like diet, exercise, and sleep; massage therapy or acupuncture; physical or occupational therapy |
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What You'll Learn
Tumours in the motor area can cause muscle weakness
Tumours in the brain and spinal cord form in the tissue inside these areas, which make up the central nervous system. Tumours can form anywhere in the body, including the brain and spinal cord. Depending on their type, growing tumours may not cause any symptoms, or they can kill or displace healthy cells or disrupt their function.
Tumours in the motor area of the brain can cause muscle weakness. The motor area coordinates voluntary movement. Tumours in any part of the brain might increase the pressure inside the skull (intracranial pressure). This can be caused by the growth of the tumour itself, swelling in the brain, or blockage of the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Tumours in the cerebellum, the lower, back part of the brain that controls coordination, can cause muscle weakness, as well as trouble walking, difficulty with precise movements of hands, arms, feet, and legs, and problems swallowing or synchronizing eye movements.
The brainstem, which connects to the spinal cord and cerebellum, controls involuntary and essential functions such as breathing and the beating of the heart. Tumours in the brain stem can cause difficulties maintaining balance and coordination, trouble swallowing, and problems with eye movements. Tumours in the parietal lobe, which is part of the cerebrum, can cause weakness on one side of the body, difficulties with hand-eye coordination, and problems with spatial awareness.
Tumours in the frontal lobe, which is also part of the cerebrum, can cause weakness in the hips or difficulty standing. Tumours in the occipital lobe, which processes visual information, can cause muscle weakness, as well as vision impairment, including loss of vision in one or both eyes, visual hallucinations, or difficulty recognizing objects or colours. Tumours in the spinal cord can cause muscle weakness, numbness, or lack of coordination in the arms and/or legs, as well as bladder or bowel problems.
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Brain tumours can cause muscle weakness in infants
Brain tumours are uncommon in children, but they do occur. They are the leading cause of cancer deaths in children. Tumours can form anywhere in the body, including the brain and spinal cord, which make up the central nervous system (CNS). Brain tumours in infants and children usually require surgical removal or at least a biopsy as part of the treatment.
A brain tumour can cause a variety of symptoms, depending on the tumour's location. A tumour in the motor area, which coordinates voluntary movement, may cause muscle weakness. This is a loss of muscle strength that affects movement or activity. Other symptoms of a brain tumour include:
- Sharp, burning, or tingling back pain that may be constant and severe and can spread to other parts of the body.
- Numbness or loss of sensation, particularly in the arms or legs.
- Problems with balance and walking, weakness or drooping on one side of the face, and changes in behaviour.
- Headaches and increased pressure in the skull.
- Seizures.
- Fatigue.
In infants, the most obvious sign of a brain tumour is a rapidly widening head or swelling around the soft spot at the top of the head. If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
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Tumours in the cerebellum can cause muscle weakness
The cerebellum is located at the back of the brain near the bottom of the head. It is responsible for balance, coordination, movement, and fine motor skills. Tumours in the cerebellum can cause a variety of symptoms, including muscle weakness.
Muscle weakness is a common symptom of brain tumours and can be a result of damage to specific areas of the brain, such as the motor area, which coordinates voluntary movement. This can lead to a loss of muscle strength and affect movement and activity. The impact of a tumour on muscle strength may fluctuate throughout the day, with some people experiencing more weakness as the day progresses and they engage in more activity.
Tumours in the cerebellum can cause specific symptoms related to its role in balance, coordination, and movement. For example, a person with a cerebellar tumour may experience trouble walking, difficulty with precise movements of the hands, arms, feet, and legs, and problems with swallowing or synchronising eye movements. They may also notice changes in their speech rhythm.
The impact of a cerebellar tumour on muscle weakness can be influenced by various factors, including the size and growth rate of the tumour. Smaller tumours may not cause any symptoms until they become large enough to interfere with healthy tissues inside the brain. Additionally, the speed of growth can vary, with some tumours growing rapidly and invading surrounding healthy brain structures, while others grow slowly, gradually causing increased pressure and symptoms over time.
It is important to note that muscle weakness can be managed through various approaches, including medication, self-care activities, and physical or occupational therapy. If you are experiencing muscle weakness or other concerning symptoms, it is crucial to consult your healthcare provider as soon as possible for guidance and an accurate diagnosis.
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Tumours in the spinal cord can cause muscle weakness
Tumours can form anywhere in the body, including the brain and spinal cord. The brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system (CNS). Tumours in the spinal cord can cause muscle weakness.
Spinal tumours can form anywhere in and along the spinal column, including the vertebrae, spinal cord, and surrounding tissues. They can be cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign). Even benign tumours can cause muscle weakness by pushing on the spinal cord or nerves. Malignant tumours can invade surrounding tissues and spread to other parts of the body.
Spinal tumours can cause many different symptoms depending on their location and size. Muscle weakness in the legs, arms, or chest can occur when a tumour grows and presses on the spinal cord, nerve roots, blood vessels, or bones of the spine. Other symptoms may include numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in the limbs or chest, muscle twitches or spasms, back pain, and difficulty walking.
The treatment for a spinal cord tumour depends on various factors, including the type of tumour, its location, growth rate, and the problems it is causing. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and corticosteroid medications. Physical therapy may also be necessary after treatment to strengthen muscles and restore their function.
It is important to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan if muscle weakness or other concerning symptoms are experienced. They may order tests such as imaging scans (X-rays, MRI, CT) and biopsies to confirm the presence and nature of the tumour.
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Tumours in the brain stem can cause muscle weakness
The brain stem is a critical component of the brain, connecting to the spinal cord and the cerebellum. It plays a vital role in controlling involuntary and essential functions such as breathing and heart rate. Tumours in the brain stem can lead to a variety of symptoms, and one of the most notable is muscle weakness.
Muscle weakness is a common symptom of brain tumours, particularly when the tumour is located in the motor area of the brain, which is responsible for coordinating voluntary movement. This weakness can manifest as a general loss of muscle strength, impacting an individual's ability to move or perform activities. It can fluctuate throughout the day, with individuals experiencing more weakness as the day progresses and with increased activity.
In addition to muscle weakness, tumours in the brain stem can cause other symptoms, including abnormal eye movements, difficulty swallowing, trouble walking, drooping of one side of the face, loss of appetite, weight loss, and slurred speech. These symptoms may vary depending on the specific location of the tumour within the brain stem.
The impact of a brain stem tumour on muscle weakness and other symptoms can be managed through various treatments. Corticosteroids, for instance, can be prescribed to reduce weakness associated with swelling in the brain. Additionally, self-care activities such as diet, exercise, and adequate sleep can help improve muscle weakness. Physical therapy and occupational therapy can also strengthen and improve muscle function, enhancing independence in individuals with brain stem tumours.
The treatment of brain stem tumours often presents challenges due to their location deep within the brain and proximity to vital structures. While surgery is typically the first treatment option for brain and spinal cord tumours, it may be too risky for tumours in the brain stem. Instead, biopsies and neurosurgical procedures are employed to understand and address these tumours effectively while minimising the risk of damage to surrounding tissues.
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Frequently asked questions
Weakness is a loss of muscle strength that affects movement or activity.
Yes, a brain tumour can cause muscle weakness. Tumours in the motor area of the brain, which coordinates voluntary movement, may cause muscle weakness. Tumours in the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls balance and coordination, can also lead to muscle weakness.
If you experience muscle weakness, contact your doctor, especially if the weakness gets worse over time. Your healthcare provider may prescribe corticosteroids to reduce weakness if it is related to swelling in the brain.
