The evaluation of a brain tumor begins with a medical history and physical examination.

Some brain tumor patients have no findings on physical examination. In others, physical findings can suggest the specific location of the tumor in the brain.

Physical findings in those with a brain tumor may include:

• Numbness in one arm or leg:
• Arm numbness (unilateral)
• Leg numbness (unilateral)
• Arm and leg numbness (unilateral)
• Weakness in one arm or leg:
• Arm weakness (unilateral)
• Leg weakness (unilateral)
• Arm and leg weakness (unilateral)
• Facial weakness (unilateral):
• Facial drooping
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty walking
• Change in vision:
• Double vision
• Loss of vision
• Difficulty with balance
• Loss of coordination
• Memory loss
• Confusion

The diagnosis of a brain tumor must be confirmed with testing.

Tests that may be used to evaluate a brain tumor include:

• CT scanning of the brain
• MRI scan of the brain
• SPECT scan
• PET scan of the brain
• Blood clotting studies
• Kidney profile
• Serum glucose
• Pulse oximetry
• Brain biopsy