Video narration
Someone may have headaches, seizures, changes in vision or balance, memory changes, or weakness in an arm or leg. Those symptoms can have many causes; none of them, even a headache, proves there is a tumor. That is why doctors look at the whole picture rather than diagnosing from one symptom. They may use an MRI, a scan that creates detailed pictures of the brain, or a CT scan, which also produces images. Sometimes they also do a biopsy: examining a small sample of tissue to learn what the growth is. A biopsy isn't needed in every case. Once doctors understand more about the tumor and the person's situation, they choose a treatment plan for that case. Options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy; not everyone needs each one. Treatment isn't a checklist. So how can one growth affect several abilities? One growth can affect several abilities when it puts pressure on the brain; what changes depends on its location and behavior.