Brain Tumors and Hallucinations: What You Need to Know

Brain tumors are relatively rare, accounting for only 1-2% of all diagnosed cancers. However, for anyone experiencing hallucinations, there may be concern that a tumor is to blame. So, can brain tumors cause hallucinations?

Today, we're taking a closer look into the relationship between brain tumors and hallucinations, exploring symptoms, causes, and more to enhance brain health awareness.

Understanding Brain Tumors

Brain tumors are abnormal growths of cells in the brain that can disrupt normal functioning. They may be benign, meaning non-cancerous, or malignant, meaning cancerous. Both types can interfere with the brain's ability to process information, regulate emotions, and control physical movements.

There are three primary aspects to understanding brain tumors:

• The difference between benign and malignant tumors
• How tumor location impacts symptoms
• The potential neurological effects of tumors

Benign vs. Malignant Tumors

Benign tumors do not spread to other parts of the body but can still cause problems. They can grow and press against critical areas of the brain. Malignant tumors are more aggressive. They may grow quickly and invade nearby tissues, leading to more severe symptoms.

Location and Symptoms

The symptoms of a brain tumor often depend on where it is located. Tumors in the frontal lobe may affect reasoning and emotions. Those in the occipital lobe may cause vision issues. Tumors near the temporal lobe could lead to sensory changes or hallucinations.

Neurological Effects

Brain tumors disrupt the normal flow of signals within the brain. The disruption can lead to a wide range of symptoms, from headaches and seizures to confusion and personality changes.

Can Brain Tumors Cause Hallucinations?

Brain tumors can sometimes lead to hallucinations, which are sensory experiences that appear real but are created by the brain. Hallucinations are directly tied to the location of the tumor and how it disrupts the brain's normal functioning.

There are three primary ways in which brain tumors can lead to hallucinations:

• By affecting specific sensory regions
• Interfering with electrical signals
• Causing pressure or inflammation in the brain.

Specific Sensory Regions

Tumors that grow in areas responsible for processing sensory input are more likely to cause hallucinations. For instance, a tumor in the occipital lobe may lead to visual hallucinations.

It could include seeing shapes, flashes of light, or even full images that aren't actually there. Similarly, a tumor in the temporal lobe can result in auditory hallucinations, such as hearing voices or music. Olfactory hallucinations, or smelling things that aren't present, might occur if the tumor affects the brain's olfactory bulb.

Interfering with Electrical Signals

Interference with electrical signals in the brain is another factor. Tumors can disrupt the normal communication between neurons, leading to misfires that manifest as hallucinations.

The disruption can create experiences that feel vivid and real to the person affected. Seizures caused by tumors are a common example of this miscommunication, often accompanied by sensory distortions.

Pressure and Inflammation

Pressure and inflammation caused by the tumor's growth can further intensify hallucinations. When the tumor presses on certain areas of the brain, it may create abnormal sensations or perceptions.

Inflammation surrounding the tumor can heighten this effect, making the hallucinations more frequent or intense.

Hallucination Causes Beyond Brain Tumors

Hallucinations can result from many causes, and brain tumors are just one of them. Understanding the broader range of possibilities can help in identifying the root issue. These causes fall into three main categories:

• Neurological conditions
• Mental health disorders
• External influences like medication or substance use

Neurological Conditions

Certain neurological conditions can lead to hallucinations. Epilepsy is one example, where abnormal electrical activity in the brain can produce sensory disturbances.

Migraines, particularly those with aura, may also cause temporary hallucinations, often involving visual patterns or shapes. Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's, can include hallucinations as symptoms during advanced stages.

Mental Health Disorders

Hallucinations are often associated with mental health conditions like schizophrenia or severe depression with psychosis. These types of hallucinations usually involve auditory experiences, such as hearing voices, but can sometimes include visual or tactile sensations. Such conditions require specific mental health interventions to address the underlying causes.

External Influences

Certain medications, substance use, or withdrawal symptoms can trigger hallucinations. Drugs that affect the brain's chemical balance may lead to sensory distortions. Overuse of alcohol or recreational drugs, or withdrawal from these substances, can also produce vivid and sometimes frightening hallucinations.

Recognizing Brain Tumor Symptoms

Brain tumors can cause a wide range of symptoms, many of which are easy to overlook or misattribute to other conditions. Recognizing these signs early is important for diagnosis and treatment. There are three main categories of symptoms to be aware of:

• Physical changes
• Cognitive or emotional shifts
• Sensory disruptions

Physical Changes

Headaches are one of the most common symptoms of brain tumors, especially if they are persistent or worsen over time. Nausea and vomiting without an obvious cause can also occur, along with unexplained fatigue or weakness in specific areas of the body. Seizures are another serious sign, even in people without a history of epilepsy.

Cognitive or Emotional Shifts

Brain tumors can impact areas responsible for memory, reasoning, or behavior. People may experience confusion, difficulty concentrating, or noticeable personality changes. These shifts can be subtle at first but often become more pronounced as the tumor grows.

Sensory Disruptions

Changes in vision, such as blurred or double vision, can signal a problem. Hearing issues or a ringing sensation may also develop. Hallucinations, including visual, auditory, or even olfactory experiences, are sometimes linked to tumors, depending on their location.

Understanding Tumor-related Hallucinations

So now you have the answer to your question, "Can brain tumors cause hallucinations?" Brain tumors are complex, with symptoms ranging from headaches to sensory disturbances. Recognizing these symptoms and seeking prompt care can improve outcomes, ensuring better brain health and a clearer path to recovery.

We are the Connecticut Brain Tumor Alliance (CTBTA), a non-profit led by survivors and caregivers. We provide hope, support, and community for those impacted by brain tumors. Our mission drives awareness, research, and improved care. Every effort counts, and together, we create change. See the impact and stand with us.

Get in touch today to find out how we can help with your brain health.