What is a brain tumour?

A brain tumour is a growth of abnormal cells in or around the brain. In children, they are the most common solid tumour and can affect how the brain controls movement, balance, vision, and many other functions — depending on where the tumour is.

Tumours are described as low-grade (slower growing) or high-grade (faster growing). Knowing the type and location helps doctors plan the right care.

Common signs to look out for

No single symptom means a child has a brain tumour, and most children with these symptoms do not have one. But if several appear together, persist, or worsen, it's worth speaking to a doctor.

• 🤕 Persistent headaches - offten worse in the morning or waking them at night
• 👁️ Vision changes - blurred or double vision, or unusual eye movements
• 😴 Tiredness and behaviour - unusual drowsiness or changes in personality
• 🤢 Recurrent vomiting - especially in the morning, without other illness
• 🚶 Balance and coordination - becoming unstead, clumsy, or struggling to walk
• 📏 Increasing head size - in babies, a head growing faster than the expected

When to seek help

Trust your instincts. You know your child best. If symptoms persist or you feel something isn't right, contact your GP and ask for your concerns to be taken seriously. If symptoms are severe or sudden, seek urgent medical care.

What happens next

If a doctor suspects a brain tumour, your child may be referred for scans (such as an MRI) and seen by a specialist team. The diagnosis journey can feel overwhelming — our support services are here at every step.

• Referral to a paediatric specialist
• Imaging and tests to understand the tumour
• A multidisciplinary team (MDT) plans care together with you