What are the symptoms of brain metastases?

Brain metastases are cancer deposits that have spread to the brain from another part of the body. Symptoms depend on their location, number, and effect on nearby brain tissue. A headache may become persistent, worsen with straining, or occur with nausea. Other changes include weakness or numbness on one side, clumsiness, difficulty walking, altered speech, visual changes, reduced concentration, memory problems, or personality changes. A seizure can be the first noticeable sign. Breast Cancer, Lung Cancer, and Melanoma are among the cancers that can spread to the brain, but a symptom by itself does not show that metastases are present.

Report new or changing neurological symptoms promptly, particularly if you have a current or previous cancer diagnosis. A clinician may perform a neurological examination and arrange brain imaging, often with MRI. The results help the team discuss options such as Stereotactic Radiosurgery, Whole Brain Radiotherapy, or Brain Tumour Surgery, alongside treatment of the original cancer and symptom control.

Call emergency services for a first seizure, a seizure lasting longer than expected, repeated seizures without recovery, sudden weakness, sudden speech or vision loss, severe confusion, collapse, or a rapidly worsening headache with vomiting. Do not drive after a seizure; protect the person from injury, place them on their side after convulsions stop, and seek urgent help.

Could these changes have another cause, such as treatment effects or infection? Do I need urgent imaging? What symptoms should trigger emergency help? If scans show brain metastases, which local and whole-body treatments fit my situation?