They occur most commonly in people of middle age. Although many brain tumours are benign, they are still serious because they cause a build-up of pressure within the brain. Gliomas may grow to a considerable size before any symptoms are noticed. Headaches are an early symptom in about one-third of patients. The headaches may occur at night, waking the patient from sleep, and they may be worse first thing in the morning.
Vomiting is a frequent accompanying symptom.
Dizziness may also occur. The other major symptom of a glioma is fits. Personality changes may occur, producing symptoms such as irritability and lack of motivation, initiative and spontaneity. Other effects may include a gradual and progressive weakness of one side of the body or sensory symptoms such as tingling affecting one half of the body. When these tumours arise in the brainstem at the base of the skull, they frequently produce double vision, weakness of one half of the face or unsteadiness while walking.