Brain tumours in children and young adults are not common.
However, 25% of childhood cancers are in the brain. There are many types of brain tumours that occur more commonly in children, such as medulloblastoma, glioma, ependymoma, craniopharyngioma, and embryonal tumours. Early detection and management of these brain tumours can improve outcome.
If your child’s headaches or symptoms are unusual for him or her, or the symptoms are unexplained or persistent, you should seek medical advice.
| Under 5 years old | 5 - 11 years old | >12 years old |
|---|---|---|
|
Persistent or recurrent vomiting |
Persistent or recurrent headache |
Persistent or recurrent headache |
|
Poor balance or coordination |
Persistent or recurrent vomiting |
Persistent or recurrent vomiting |
|
Abnormal eye movements |
Poor balance or coordination |
Poor balance or coordination |
|
Behavioural change or lethargy |
Abnormal eye movements |
Abnormal eye movements |
|
Seizures |
Double or blurred vision |
Double or blurred vision |
|
Abnormal head posture, stiff neck, or head tilting |
Behavioural change or lethargy |
Behavioural change or lethargy |
|
|
Seizures |
Seizures |
|
|
Abnormal head posture, stiff neck, or head tilting |
Delayed puberty or slow growth |
If your child has one of these symptoms, please seek medical attention. If your child has two or more of these symptoms, please seek urgent medical attention.
Please remember that any child needing urgent medical care, should be taken to the nearest emergency department or hospital.
