Are Tinnitus and Dizziness Symptoms of a Brain Tumor?

Brain tumors can take many forms. Even those that aren’t cancerous can put pressure on delicate areas of the brain, causing symptoms. The symptoms you experience will depend on the type of tumor you have and where it’s located in the brain.

Tinnitus — or ringing in the ears — and dizziness can occur with some types of brain tumors, but these are usually indirect symptoms.

There are just a few millimeters of space between the brain and the skull. The adult brain — weighing about 3 pounds — along with the meninges and cerebrospinal fluid, uses just about every inch of space in the cranial cavity. Any growths, extra fluid, or any kind of swelling can cause serious problems.

The tissues of the brain are delicate and very sensitive to pressure. When tumors develop, parts of the brain can swell or become displaced, putting pressure on the other areas. This is called cerebral edema, and it can lead to increases in your intracranial pressure.

Symptoms of cerebral edema may include: