Some of the common brain lesion symptoms include headaches, memory loss, seizures, nausea and changes in vision. The symptoms can vary depending on what type of brain lesion it is, as well as the location and severity of the lesion. Experiencing one symptom alone is not necessarily a sign of a brain lesion, because many lesion symptoms could be the result of another health problem. Nonetheless, if the symptoms occur, they should be investigated by a qualified healthcare provider. Depending on the cause, the symptoms of brain lesion can affect both the mind and the body.
Alzheimer's disease primarily affects the mind, and it is caused by brain lesions that interfere with cognitive function and memory. As the lesions progress, the nerve cells in the brain begin to die off, resulting in memory loss and reduced cognitive function. A brain abscess is a type of lesion that is often caused by an infection in an ear, the teeth, a lung or the heart. In this case, brain lesion symptoms can include headaches, seizures, mental confusion, difficulty speaking and drowsiness.
Arteriovenous malformations are when the veins and arteries become interlaced with one another during the development of a fetus or shortly after the baby is born. The severity of the signs of brain lesions can vary from person to person, but headaches, seizures, vision problems, numbness and paralysis are often experienced. Cerebral palsy is another brain lesion-related disease that affects young children, and the symptoms are usually seen within the first year. Depending on the cause, the symptoms of cerebral palsy can include seizures, respiratory problems, weakness and problems with speaking.
Another type of brain lesion is cerebral infarction, which usually is caused by a stroke. The brain lesion symptoms caused by this condition can include losing awareness of the body on the opposite side of the lesion's location in the brain. Weakness, changes in eye movements as well as changes in speech and reflexes can also occur.
In some cases, the brain lesions can interfere with the communication between the brain cells and the rest of the body. This is commonly referred to as multiple sclerosis, which can cause symptoms such as muscle spasms and weakness in the muscles, loss of balance, speech impairment, cognitive impairment and vision problems. Other symptoms can include pain, fatigue, depression and mood swings.
Brain tumors are another type of brain lesion, and they can affect the brain, blood vessels, skull and pituitary gland. The tumors can be cancerous or noncancerous and can cause symptoms such as headaches, nausea, coma, memory loss and reduced cognitive functions. Brain lesion symptoms also might include impairment of the senses, such as hearing, vision and smell.