Ependymoma is a brain or spinal-cord tumor that starts in the lining of the fluid-filled spaces inside the skull and spine. Because this lining reaches many areas, symptoms depend on where the tumor is growing and how much it blocks the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid.

The most common early clue is a new headache that is dull and steady, often worse in the morning or when lying flat. Nausea and vomiting may follow the headache, especially if the tumor raises pressure inside the head. Many people feel clumsy or notice weakness in an arm or leg. If the tumor sits near the balance center, walking becomes unsteady and you may bump into walls. Vision can blur or double, and lights may bother your eyes. Seizures—shaking, staring, or blacking out—can be the first sign if the tumor irritates the brain’s electrical pathways. In babies, the soft spot may bulge and the head size may grow faster than expected. If the tumor is in the spinal cord, back pain, leg numbness, or trouble controlling the bladder can develop.

Because these changes can be blamed on stress, lack of sleep, or aging, many people wait too long to get checked. Any new headache with nausea, weakness, balance problems, or seizures that linger for weeks should be evaluated with brain or spine imaging.