Physical Exam

The signs and symptoms of CNS tumors are going to be different depending on the area of the CNS where they are located.

Brain Tumor Symptoms

• Morning headaches or headache that goes away after vomiting
• Vision, hearing, and speech problems
• Loss of appetite
• Frequent nausea and vomiting
• Changes in personality, mood, ability to focus, or behavior
• Loss of balance and trouble walking
• Weakness
• Unusual sleepiness or change in activity level

Spinal Cord Tumor Symptoms

• Back pain or pain that spreads from the back towards the arms or legs
• A change in bowel habits or trouble urinating
• Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs

A neurological exam should be done, which is a series of questions and tests to check the brain, spinal cord, and nerve function. The exam checks a person’s mental status, coordination, ability to walk normally, and how well the muscles, senses, and reflexes work.

A visual field exam may also be done, which is to check a person’s field of vision. The test measures both central vision (looking straight ahead) and peripheral vision (what a person can see in all directions while looking straight ahead).

Document physical exam details in NAACCR Item #2520 Text-Dx Proc-PE.

See History & Physical Exam | SEER Training website for more information on the patient history and physical exam.

Updated: September 23, 2026