What are the effects of radiation therapy on the brain?

Brain tumors may be necessary to treat radiation therapy. The use of radiation therapy may also have the desired or side effects on the brain. The required result of radiation therapy on the brain is to erad the tumor. However, treatment may have other, side effects on the brain. Side effects may include speech and hearing problems, nausea, headaches and brain swelling.

Brain radiation therapy works by killing cells that make up a tumor. Radiation destroys genetic material in a cell that kills cells and also prevents them from reproduction. Since radiation can also damage healthy cells, radiation therapy on the brain may also have harmful results.

Some side effects may develop immediately and may be temporary. Other side effects are delayed and may last in some people. The type and severity of adverse reactions on the brain depends on the area of ​​the radiation of the receiving brain, the duration of the treatment and the type of radiation therapy. There are several types of radiation therapy for brain cancer. Some types of radiation teraPie can cause fewer side effects. Radiation therapy modulated by intensity is a relatively new form of radiation therapy in the brain. It is more accurate and can supply radiation to a specific area in the brain while saving other areas. This can reduce side effects.

Although certain types of radiation therapy can reduce the chances of side effects on the brain, they may still occur. Brain swelling is a common side effect. When this happens, the patient may develop headache, seizures and vomiting from increased pressure inside the head. Medicines are available to reduce brain swelling.

Other effects on the brain on what area of ​​the brain received radiation therapy. For example, if the area of ​​the brain that controls speech is radiated, language skills may be influenced. If the area near the hypothalamus received radiation therapy, the function of pituitary and hormonal production may be affected. This can causeChanges in sleep, appetite and libido.

Since healthy cells can be damaged during brain radiation therapy, cognitive damage may develop. This may include difficulty concentration, difficult learning new skills and memory problems. In patients with children, cognitive side effects may be more severe and longer because their brains are still evolving.