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

The physical exam may be normal in someone with a craniopharyngioma. Physical findings can suggest the specific location of the tumor in the brain.

Physical findings in someone with a craniopharyngioma may include:

• Weakness on one side of the body:
• Arm weakness (unilateral)
• Leg weakness (unilateral)
• Arm and leg weakness (unilateral)
• Numbness on one side of the body:
• Arm numbness (unilateral)
• Leg numbness (unilateral)
• Arm and leg numbness (unilateral)
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty walking
• Difficulty with balance
• Difficulty speaking
• Facial weakness:
• Facial drooping
• Loss of coordination
• Memory loss
• Confusion
• Vision changes:
• Double vision

The diagnosis of craniopharyngioma must be confirmed with testing.

Tests that may be used to evaluate craniopharyngioma include:

• CT scanning of the brain
• MRI scan of the brain
• SPECT scanning of the brain:
• A newer method that may provide earlier detection of stroke in some cases
• PET scanning of the brain:
• Detects levels of brain activity
• Blood clotting studies
• Kidney profile
• Serum glucose
• Pulse oximetry
• Brain biopsy