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

Early in the course of the disease, someone with glioma may have no findings on physical examination. In others, physical findings may suggest the specific location of the tumor in the brain.

Physical findings in someone with glioma may include:

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

The diagnosis of glioma must be confirmed with testing.

Tests that may be used to evaluate glioma 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
• Coagulation profile
• Blood electrolytes and glucose
• Pulse oximetry
• Brain biopsy

For more information:

• Astrocytoma evaluation
• Ependymoma evaluation
• Ganglioneuroma evaluation
• Glioblastoma multiforme evaluation
• Oligodendroglioma evaluation