Facts

• Brain tumours can initially cause subtle changes in motor skills such as a change in hand or foot preference or loss of learned skills, e.g. ability at computer games, texting, handwriting or using zips or buttons.

• In young people and teenagers, the main movement problems associated with brain tumours are poor balance and co-ordination. .

• Balance problems may cause teenagers to feel unsteady when walking (needing to hold on to a handrail or wall) or stumbling or falling over.

• Co-ordination problems may lead to a feeling of movements not being 'together', and difficulty in doing activities requiring carefully coordinated movements, such as art and craft, sports, computer games, playing a musical instrument.