Signs of brain tumors in adults and treatment options available

This blog is continued from previous blog on what brain tumors are

Signs and symptoms of brain tumors in adults

• Headaches

  Typical “brain tumor headaches” are often described as worse in the morning and they do not usually respond to the usual headache remedies. Keeping a “headache journal”- when they occur, how severe they are, other symptoms that happen at the same time, and the type of remedies you try in an attempt to relieve your symptoms will provide the doctor with a good overview of the nature of your headaches.

• Seizures

  About one-third of people diagnosed with a brain tumor are not aware they have a tumor until they have a seizure. Seizures are a common symptom of a brain tumor and are caused by a disruption in the normal flow of electricity in the brain.

• Mental and/or personality changes

  These include changes in memory, speech, communication, and concentration. There may also be changes in behavior depending on where the tumor is located.

• Mass effect

  The symptoms include vomiting, drowsiness, problems with coordination, vision problems, etc.

Treatment Options

• Surgery

  The goal is to remove as much of the tumor without damaging healthy tissues.

• External-Beam Radiation

  It delivers radiation from outside the body.

• Fractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy

  Technique that uses target radiation to minimize damage of normal tissue.

• Stereotactic Radiosurgery

  Precisely targets the tumor with high doses of radiation.

• Chemotherapy

• Drugs

  These include corticosteroids and conventional therapy with heaprin and warfarin.

Resources:

American Brain Tumor Association
National Cancer Institute
UCSF Medical Center

Books:

Curveball: When Life Throws You a Brain Tumor

Brain Tumors: Leaving the Garden of Eden–A Survival Guide to Diagnosis, Learning the Basics, Getting Organized, and Finding Your Medical Team