It is not uncommon for a patient with a metastatic brain tumor to have no neurological symptoms. For many patients, a small tumor may be detected when getting an MRI or a CT Scan for staging purposes before any symptoms are experienced.

The most common symptom manifestations are seizures and headaches. Other symptoms may include neurological deficits such as changes in memory, vision, and balance. We recommend that patients known to have cancer with any of these symptoms bring it to the immediate attention of the treating physician.

The best way to diagnose a metastatic brain tumor is to perform an MRI scan with and without contrast. If an MRI is not possible, our next scan of choice is a CT scan with and without contrast.