How Does My Doctor Know I Have a Brain Tumor?

If you have symptoms of a brain tumor, your doctor will first ask questions about these symptoms. Next, the doctor will get your complete medical history and give you a physical exam. In addition to checking your overall health, the doctor will do a neurological exam to observe the way you walk, talk, and move.

The doctor will examine your eyes to look for any swelling caused by pressure on your optic nerve. The optic nerve connects the eyes to the brain. This swelling is called papilledema. It is a sign that requires immediate medical attention. Your primary care doctor can do this general exam. If your doctor finds a problem, he or she may refer you to a neurologist, which is a doctor who specializes in treating problems in the brain or nerves.