Could Your Symptoms Indicate a Brain Tumor? A Doctor's Insight

Q: Could Your Symptoms Indicate a Brain Tumor? A Doctor's Insight

Hello： Your symptoms may suggest an issue with the autonomic nervous system, specifically the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, where one acts as the accelerator and the other as the brake. <br>The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for stimulating the "gas

Could you please tell me if the following symptoms could possibly be caused by a brain tumor?

Hello Doctor,
I would like to ask for your advice.
Since middle school, I have frequently experienced palpitations, dizziness, a sensation of my body vibrating, and a feeling similar to being on a pirate ship ride.
Later, during college and graduate school, I often found myself overthinking.
Recently, while serving in the military, my thoughts have become somewhat chaotic, and I find myself constantly ruminating on various issues, which has also led to a decrease in my patience.

I visited a psychiatrist, and both the doctor and the psychologist believe that I am experiencing symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression.
However, in the past few days, I have been trying to organize my thoughts through sheer willpower, which has made me feel happier and has clarified my thinking significantly.
Nevertheless, I still experience several physiological symptoms:
1.
Tension in my head.

2.
Dizziness.

3.
A sensation as if my body is being dragged down and pressed heavily.

4.
Although I used to easily overthink, I would always direct my thoughts positively, but recently I have become irritable, angry, and have violent urges.
In the past, I would never feel this way, and I understood myself to be a kind person; I would even catch flies at home and release them outside.
Recently, however, I have been prone to outbursts of anger.

5.
The urge to lash out does not come from a genuine desire to hurt someone, but rather feels like a cartoonish scenario where someone is pulling my hand and forcing me to strike.

Since I have resolved the emotional issues and thoughts, what remains are the physiological symptoms that I cannot seem to eliminate.
The issue with military service is nearly resolved as I have completed the discharge process (I did not previously feel pressured by military service, as I was in an alternative service and was initially looking forward to it), so it does not seem to be related to that.

I would like to ask you, Doctor, if these symptoms could potentially indicate a physiological issue such as a brain tumor rather than being solely psychological in nature.
Most importantly, I noticed that when I take off my glasses at night and look at cars and streetlights, the halos of the lights seem to expand and contract with my heartbeat, which has led me to wonder if this could be a sign of a brain tumor.
Additionally, sometimes my thumb shakes involuntarily.

Thank you for your guidance.

Mr. Chen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/07/07

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello: Your symptoms may suggest an issue with the autonomic nervous system, specifically the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, where one acts as the accelerator and the other as the brake.
The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for stimulating the "gas pedal," driving the body into action, while the parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for applying the "brake," allowing the body to rest.
For example, during exercise, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, leading to an increased heart rate, faster breathing, and increased sweating.
Once the exercise stops, the parasympathetic nervous system takes over, slowing the heart rate, reducing breathing speed, and decreasing sweating.
When there is a dysfunction in the autonomic nervous system regulation, it may result in emotional disturbances that are difficult to calm.
As for brain tumor symptoms, they may arise from pressure on different areas of the brain, leading to neurological deficits similar to those seen in conditions like stroke or epilepsy.
It is advisable to discuss further evaluation with a neurologist.
Generally, if there are no neurological symptoms, an MRI would need to be arranged on a self-pay basis.
Wishing you good health and peace.
Dr.
Tao, Shen Medical Center, cares about you.

Reply Date: 2017/07/07

More Info

Your symptoms raise several important considerations, and while it's understandable to be concerned about the possibility of a brain tumor, it's essential to approach this situation with a comprehensive understanding of both neurological and psychological factors.

Firstly, the symptoms you describe—such as dizziness, a feeling of heaviness in your body, and episodes of irritability—can indeed be distressing. However, these symptoms are not exclusive to brain tumors. They can also be associated with a range of other conditions, including anxiety disorders, stress-related issues, and even physical conditions like tension headaches or migraines.
The sensation of your body feeling "heavy" or being "dragged" could be related to anxiety or stress, which can manifest physically in various ways. Anxiety can lead to muscle tension, which might explain the feeling of tightness in your head. Additionally, the experience of your thoughts becoming chaotic or overwhelming, along with irritability, can also be symptoms of anxiety or mood disorders. It's worth noting that your previous diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and depression could contribute to these feelings, especially during stressful periods like military service.

Regarding the visual symptoms you mentioned—seeing light halos that pulse with your heartbeat—this could be related to a phenomenon known as visual aura, which is often associated with migraines. Migraines can cause a variety of neurological symptoms, including visual disturbances, and they can also lead to significant discomfort and tension in the head.

The involuntary twitching of your thumb could indicate a neurological issue, but it is essential to consider that such symptoms can also arise from anxiety or stress. Stress can lead to muscle spasms or twitches, which are often benign but can be alarming.

While brain tumors can present with a variety of symptoms, they typically cause more specific neurological deficits depending on their location and size. Common symptoms of brain tumors may include persistent headaches that worsen over time, seizures, significant changes in vision or hearing, and neurological deficits such as weakness or numbness in specific areas of the body. The symptoms you describe do not align perfectly with typical brain tumor presentations, especially since you have had these symptoms for an extended period without significant deterioration.

Given your concerns, it would be prudent to follow up with a neurologist. They may recommend imaging studies, such as an MRI, to rule out any structural abnormalities in the brain. However, if your symptoms are primarily related to anxiety or stress, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or other forms of psychological support may be beneficial.
In conclusion, while it's essential to take your symptoms seriously and seek medical advice, the likelihood of them being indicative of a brain tumor is relatively low based on the information provided. It would be best to address both the physical and psychological aspects of your symptoms with a healthcare professional who can provide a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate treatment options. Remember, mental health is just as important as physical health, and addressing both can lead to significant improvements in your overall well-being.

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