The main symptoms occur due to increased pressure within the skull (known as raised intracranial pressure). This may be caused by a blockage in the ventricles of the brain (fluid-filled spaces in the brain) that leads to a build-up of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). CSF is the fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. The increased pressure may also be caused by swelling around the tumour itself.

Raised intracranial pressure can cause headaches, sickness (vomiting) and sight changes.

Specific symptoms of ependymomas include swelling of the nerve at the back of the eye (papilloedema), rapid, jerky eye movements (nystagmus), neck pain and irritability.

Fits (seizures) and changes in behaviour and personality are general signs of a brain tumour.

Ependymomas can grow in different parts of the brain, and symptoms may relate to the area of the brain that is affected.

A tumour of the frontal lobe of the brain may cause gradual changes in mood and personality. There may also be paralysis on one side of the body (hemiparesis). A tumour in the temporal lobe of the brain may cause problems with coordination and speech, and may affect memory. If the parietal lobe of the brain is affected, writing and other such tasks may be difficult. Hemiparesis may also be present. An ependymoma in the cerebellum may lead to problems with coordination and balance.

The symptoms of an ependymoma in the spinal cord will depend on which part of the spine is affected. Symptoms include neck or back pain, and sometimes numbness or weakness in the limbs and loss of bladder control.

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