The symptoms of a brain tumor in children often develop when tumors originate at the base of the brain near the brainstem. From this area, the tumor can spread down the cervical spinal column. Tumors such as ependymomas are particularly known for causing persistent head and neck pain in children.

An ependymoma is a type of brain tumor that forms in the lining of the ventricles—the hollow spaces within the brain that contain cerebrospinal fluid. In children, ependymomas most commonly arise in the third or fourth ventricle near the base of the brain, close to the cerebellum. The cerebellum and brainstem control physical coordination and organized motor functions, which is why tumors in this region can interfere with a child’s ability to balance, walk, or run normally.

Why Head and Neck Pain Are Major Warning Signs

Unlike adults, who often experience head and neck pain from arthritis or muscle tension, children generally should not experience such pain without a clear cause. If your child complains of recurrent head or neck pain, it should be taken seriously. Even if the pain comes and goes, it should not lessen your concern, as symptoms of pediatric brain cancer can fluctuate in intensity.

Head and neck pain caused by a brain tumor often worsens at night. Intracranial pressure increases while lying down, making nighttime the most common time for tumor-related pain to occur. If your child frequently wakes up screaming in pain during the night, it is critical to have a pediatrician rule out a brain tumor as soon as possible.

Behavioral and Physical Changes to Watch For

Parents should also pay attention to subtle behavioral changes. A normally active child who becomes lethargic, uninterested in playing, or less physically active may be showing an early warning sign of a brain tumor.

Another potential red flag is a loss of appetite. Children usually have healthy appetites, so a sudden disinterest in food can suggest an underlying medical issue—including a brain tumor.

Light and Sound Sensitivity as a Warning Sign

One of the most concerning symptoms of a brain tumor in children is sensitivity to light and sound. When a child complains about discomfort from light or noise, it can signal increased intracranial pressure caused by a tumor. When this sensitivity occurs alongside head or neck pain, it becomes a major warning sign that should not be ignored.

What to Do If Your Child Shows Symptoms of a Brain Tumor

If your child exhibits symptoms such as persistent head or neck pain, light or sound sensitivity, or changes in energy or appetite, ask your pediatrician to order a CT scan or MRI of the brain. These imaging tests are quick, typically take about 15 minutes, and are considered the most reliable way to detect or rule out a brain tumor.

While a CT scan exposes your child to a small amount of radiation, an MRI does not. An MRI provides highly detailed images and is an excellent tool for identifying or eliminating the possibility of a tumor. If the results are negative, you can rest assured that your child does not have brain cancer or other brain abnormalities.

What Happens If a Pediatric Brain Tumor Is Not Diagnosed in Time

If a brain tumor is not detected and surgically removed, it can cause obstructive hydrocephalus, a condition in which the tumor blocks the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the brain to the spinal column. This blockage causes CSF to build up, leading to increased pressure and swelling that may permanently damage brain tissue. In severe cases, the condition can result in cerebral atrophy, or loss of brain tissue.

Malignant brain tumors can also metastasize—spreading from the base of the brain down the cervical spinal column. Once this occurs, surgical removal becomes much more difficult, often requiring both a craniotomy (opening the skull) and removal of parts of the cervical vertebrae.

Beyond life-threatening risks, untreated brain tumors can cause long-term cognitive and physical impairments that affect a child’s ability to develop normally. These conditions often require lifelong care from developmental pediatricians and specialists.

Protecting Your Child’s Health

Your goal as a parent is to recognize the early symptoms of brain tumor in children before serious complications occur. Be alert for ongoing or recurring head and neck pain, light and sound sensitivity, appetite loss, or behavioral changes. If any of these symptoms appear, insist that your pediatrician order imaging tests to confirm whether a brain tumor is present. Early detection can make all the difference.

Contact Our Office for More Information

If you have concerns about your child’s symptoms or questions about possible medical negligence, we welcome your call at 866-889-6882. You can also request our free book, The Seven Deadly Mistakes of Malpractice Victims, available on the home page of www.protectingpatientrights.com.

Our legal team is here to help families understand their rights when a delayed diagnosis or failure to recognize the symptoms of brain tumor in children leads to preventable harm.