As with many brain tumors, the most common initial symptom of glioblastoma multiforme is headache. Since the symptoms are often caused by the pressure of a tumor against adjacent brain structures, the symptoms may vary depending on where in the brain or spine the tumor is located. Symptoms of GBM include:
- Weakness or numbness in the limbs
- Nausea and vomiting (especially on awakening)
- Cognitive impairment, memory loss, and inability to concentrate
- Seizures
- Personality and mood changes
- Visual changes
Most people with headaches and nausea do not have brain tumors, of course, but anyone with neurological symptoms like those listed above should be evaluated by a physician. Suspected or confirmed brain tumors should be referred to a neurosurgeon for evaluation (see Doctors Who Treat Glioblastoma Multiforme).
Our Care Team
- Chairman and Neurosurgeon-in-Chief
- Margaret and Robert J. Hariri, MD ’87, PhD ’87 Professor of Neurological Surgery
- Vice Provost of Business Affairs and Integration
Phone: 212-746-4684
- Chief of Neurological Surgery, NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist
- Alvina and Willis Murphy Associate Professor, Neurological Surgery
- Director, Brain Metastases Program
- Co-director, William Rhodes and Louise Tilzer-Rhodes Center for Glioblastoma
Phone: 212-746-1996
- Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery
- Leon Levy Research Fellow
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute
Phone: 646-962-3389
- Director, Neurosurgical Radiosurgery
- Professor of Clinical Neurological Surgery
- Robert G. Schwager, MD ’67 Education Scholar, Cornell University
Phone: 212-746-2438
- Chief of Neurological Surgery, NewYork-Presbyterian Queens
- Co-director, Weill Cornell Medicine CSF Leak Program
Phone: (718) 670-1837
- Vice Chair for Clinical Research
- David and Ursel Barnes Professor in Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Professor of Neurosurgery, Neurology, and Otolaryngology
- Director, Center for Epilepsy and Pituitary Surgery
- Co-Director, Surgical Neuro-oncology
Phone: 212-746-5620
- Director of Neuro-oncology
- Director, Brain Tumor Center, Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center
Phone: 646-962-2185
- Assistant Attending Neurologist, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
- Assistant Professor of Neuro-Oncologist
Phone: 646-962-2185
Reviewed by: Rohan Ramakrishna, M.D.
Last reviewed/last updated: December 2020