VIDEO
VIDEO
If you're concerned about your or your child's symptoms, you should make an appointment to see your GP. If your symptoms are sudden or severe, you should go to your emergency department or call 999.
GP appointments are usually quite short, so it may be helpful to prepare for the appointment to make sure you remember everything you want to say and ask.
You could write a list of the symptoms you want to tell your doctor about. You can include when these first started, how often they're happening and if they've changed or got worse.
If the appointment is for your child, you may want to ask their nursery or school if they have noticed any symptoms. You may be able to put together a record of your child's symptoms and note when they have changed or worsened. Parents or carers normally know their child best, so will notice changes in health, appearance or behaviour. You should mention any concerns to your doctor.
Explain your symptoms to your doctor, tell them how long you've been experiencing them and how they make you feel. If you've written notes or kept a diary of your symptoms, show this to your doctor.
You can ask your doctor if your symptoms could be caused by a brain tumour. You may wish to show them our website or the HeadSmart information for babies, children and teenagers.
The doctor may wish to examine you or your child to assess the symptoms.
Your doctor will usually do one of three things:
You should follow the steps that your doctor has given you. If you don't hear from your doctor or the specialist they've referred you to within the expected time, contact your GP surgery to follow up.
Keep track of any changes in symptoms. You can write these down in a diary to show your doctor or specialist.
If your doctor has reassured you that they do not think you have a brain tumour but you continue to be concerned, you're entitled to ask for a second opinion.