Posterior Fossa Tumor

Posterior Fossa Tumor Symptoms & Signs

Symptoms occur very early when posterior fossa tumors occur. The posterior fossa itself is a small, confined space and any growth there can block the flow of spinal fluid and cause increased pressure on the brain and spinal cord. The symptoms of increased intracranial pressure include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headaches
• Drowsiness
• Ataxia - uncoordinated gait
• Imbalance

Symptoms from posterior fossa tumors also occur when the tumor damages local structures, such as cranial nerves. Symptoms of cranial nerve damage include:

• Hearing loss
• Visual field deficits
• Eye deviations
• Unsteadiness when walking
• Facial muscle weakness
• Dilated pupils
• Taste disturbances
• Loss of sensation of part of the face