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Brain metastases

Brain metastases are cancer cells from another organ growing in the brain. Symptoms result from the location of the metastasis, swelling, pressure or bleeding and may include headache, a seizure, weakness or behavioural change. New neurological symptoms with cancer require prompt assessment; sudden loss of function or failure to recover after a seizure is an immediate emergency.

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Brain metastases are cancer cells from another organ growing in the brain. Symptoms result from the location of the metastasis, swelling, pressure or bleeding and may include headache, a seizure, weakness or behavioural change. New neurological symptoms with cancer require prompt assessment; sudden loss of function or failure to recover after a seizure is an immediate emergency.

  • New or increasing headache, sometimes with nausea, vomiting, drowsiness or symptoms different from previous headaches.
  • A first seizure, brief absences, jerking of one body part or unusual smells and sensations.
  • Take dexamethasone and antiseizure medicines exactly according to the schedule, and never stop corticosteroids suddenly without a medical tapering plan.
  • Keep track of headache, vomiting, seizures, loss of neurological function, sleep and medicine side effects, and report a clearly new pattern early.
  • Call the same day if you have cancer and a new headache, vomiting, forgetfulness, behavioural change, unsteady walking or a change in vision.
  • For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.
  • Call Ambulance 912 for a first seizure, a seizure lasting longer than five minutes, repeated seizures without full recovery, breathing problems or serious injury.

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