Facts

  • Many children will show a change in behaviour at times associated with changes in home/school circumstances, adolescent development and ill health.
  • Most changes in behaviour will not be persistent (i.e. occur on most days over a period of time) or pervasive (i.e. occurring in multiple environments e.g. home/school/holiday).
  • Most changes in behaviour will not be caused by brain tumour.
  • Most children and young people with a change in behaviour associated with a brain tumour will have other symptoms/signs - these should be looked for carefully.

Preschool under 5

The commonest change in behaviour caused by brain tumours in this age group is lethargy (severe tiredness and reduced energy levels).

Signs of lethargy include:

  • reduction in activity levels, and spending more time resting
  • lack of enthusiasm or desire to participate in activities that they had previously enjoyed
  • becoming tired or fatigued more readily or quickly than they used to
  • falling behind or progressing more slowly at nursery or school

Behaviour changes that are associated with a brain tumour can be expected to occur

  • persistently - occurring routinely over days or weeks
  • pervasively - across all settings, such as at home, at school, at play, on outings or visits away - changes occurring only in certain situations are more likely to be a psychological or social response to different surroundings.

Any child with a persistent behaviour change, particularly lethargy, should be seen by a doctor. If the behaviour change is accompanied by one or more other symptoms from the HeadSmart symptoms list, an urgent appointment should be made.

Select for more general information for parents and carers.

Children 5-11

In children in this age group, a brain tumour can cause various changes in behaviour, lethargy (severe tiredness and reduced energy levels) is particularly associated with brain tumours This may cause:

  • significant reduction in activity levels, and spending more time resting
  • lack of enthusiasm or desire to participate in activities that they had previously enjoyed, across a variety of activities and in different environments
  • becoming tired or fatigued more readily or quickly than they used to
  • falling behind or progressing more slowly at school

Behaviour changes that are associated with a brain tumour can be expected to occur

  • persistently - occurring routinely over days or weeks
  • pervasively - across all settings, such as at home, at school, at play, on outings or visits away - changes occurring only in certain situations are more likely to be a psychological or social response to different surroundings

Any child with a persistent and pervasive behaviour change should be seen by a doctor. If the behaviour change is accompanied by one or more other symptoms from the HeadSmart symptoms list, an urgent appointment should be made.

Select for more general information for parents and carers.

Young adult 12-18

Adolescence is a period that is typically associated with considerable changes in behaviour as a young person grows up. However, changes in behaviour can sometimes indicate a medical issue such as a brain tumour.

In young people, a brain tumour can cause various changes in behaviour. Brain tumours frequently cause lethargy (severe tiredness and reduced energy levels). Lethargy may cause:

  • significant reduction in activity levels, and spending more time resting
  • lack of enthusiasm or desire to participate in activities that they had previously enjoyed, across different activities and in different environments
  • becoming tired or fatigued more readily or quickly than they used to
  • falling behind or progressing more slowly at school, college or work
    • persistently - occurring routinely over days or weeks
    • pervasively - across all settings, such as at home, at school, at play, on outings or visits away - changes occurring only in certain situations are more likely to be a psychological or social response to different surroundings

    • Behaviour changes that are associated with a brain tumour can be expected to occur

    Young people with a persistent and pervasive behaviour change should be seen by a doctor. If the behaviour change is accompanied by one or more other symptoms from the HeadSmart symptoms list, an urgent appointment should be made.

    If you are a young person and you are concerned about your symptoms, it's best to get them checked out by your GP.

    Select for more information about seeing your GP.

    If you are a parent or carer of a young person, and you are concerned about their symptoms, explain that you think they should go to the GP and offer to make them an appointment. Bear in mind that, depending on their age and circumstances, they may choose to go to the GP on their own, although many appreciate having a parent or carer with them, whatever their age.

    Select for more general information for parents and carers.

Be aware

If you are worried about the child, make an appointment with your doctor.
If the symptoms of signs are sudden onset or severe, either take them to the emergency department or call 999