What are the symptoms of a brain stem tumor?
The brain stem tumor is an abnormal growth that occurs in the back area of the brain, known as the brain stem. Symptoms may vary depending on the size of the tumor and the placement in the brain stem. Symptoms may often include headache, nausea, possibly with vomiting and visual impairment such as double vision. Other symptoms are possible and include walking problems, speech problems and swallowing problems.
brain stem tumors are classified as benign tumors or malignant tumors. Benign tumors do not spread to other areas of the brain. Malignant brain stem tumors can travel to other areas of brain and spinal cord. Both types of brain stem tumors cause similar symptoms.
The two main types of malignant brain tumors are pontin tumors and medular gliomas. These two types of tumors can cause different symptoms due to their placement on the brain stem. Pontine brain stem tumors can cause difficulty swallowing and closing the lids along with the chewing. TumorsThe medal glioma stem can cause problems with walking and balance due to the weakness of the legs.
People of any age can develop a brain stem tumor, but more frequency is diagnosed in children. Both children and adults tend to have similar symptoms. The rate at which symptoms develop or progress may vary.
Some people will have small symptoms for many months that can hardly be visible. Other people can develop symptoms at a time that seem to increase rapidly. When the symptoms appear at once, they tend to come from a rapidly growing brain stem tumor of high quality.
The aim in treating a brain stem tumor is to get rid of abnormal growth, but it is also to consider mastering symptoms. Because the placement in the brain often makes the surgical removal of the tumor too dangerous, further treatment is used. Radiation treatment can sometimes be effective VLÉčba symptoms. In best cases, the radiation can destroy the entire tumor. In other situations, radiation may at least reduce the size of the tumor and reduce symptoms.
Other ways to reduce the symptoms associated with the brain stem tumor include drug administration. Steroids are often given to reduce swelling in the brain. As the swelling decreases, the symptoms decrease. Steroids often have side effects such as irritability, increased appetite and weight gain.
In some cases, the symptoms with treatment are resolved. In other cases, symptoms may be permanent due to damage caused by a brain tumor. Treatment, such as radiation therapy, can also sometimes lead to permanent symptoms.