While undergoing brain tumor surgery, patients may spend the night in the neuro-critical care unit (NCCU). During this stay, patients may be hooked to a heart monitor, IV, catheter, and oxygen mask. In addition, a dressing will likely be placed on the patient's head for several days. After surgery, patients will recover in the neurosurgery nursing unit. After surgery, patients may begin to eat and walk again. However, they should also know what to expect afterward, such as temporary side effects.
If you've been diagnosed with a Brain Tumor, your healthcare provider may recommend seeking genetic counseling. This can help determine if you have an inherited genetic disorder associated with brain tumors. Your healthcare provider will also discuss your prognosis, which depends on the type, location, size, and cancer grade. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the tumor. Depending on your circumstances, your healthcare provider may recommend a combination of treatments.
Patients with brain and spinal tumors often undergo neurosurgery as the first line of treatment. A neurosurgeon specializes in brain tumor and spinal cord surgery, and each hospital has slightly different practices and methods. Patients generally have better results when the neurosurgeon specializes in their tumor type. The ability to choose the right surgeon for your particular case is essential, as some tumors are too challenging to operate on.
A neurosurgeon may perform cerebrospinal fluid shunting to drain fluid away from the brain. This procedure can help prevent hydrocephalus, which can damage the brain or cause death. The shunt can be placed through small holes in the skull. A neurosurgeon may use a high-powered microscope to view the tumor from below. A shunt can also be set to remove normal brain fluid, which is necessary for the body to function correctly.
A recent study at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana, has evaluated the characteristics of brain tumors from a neuro-ophthalmic perspective. This study focused on the neuro-ophthalmic signs and symptoms associated with the disease. The study included 36 consecutive patients with brain tumors, all diagnosed with brain tumors using computerized tomography and histological confirmation.
A patient experiencing vision loss due to nystagmus or a pupil that swells up can also have a brain tumor or a pseudotumor cerebri. Neuro ophthalmologists can diagnose the cause of these vision problems, including whether they are caused by a brain tumor or a disease of the optic nerves. What should refer patients with sudden or persistent pupillary changes to a neuro-ophthalmologist to determine if the condition is related to a brain tumor or a pituitary gland?
A neuro-ophthalmology examination begins with a review of the patient's medical history. Special attention is paid to the retina and optic nerve. Prism lenses may be used to evaluate eye movements. Unequal pupils may also be assessed using the pressure and size of dilating drops. Neuro ophthalmologists are trained in treating disorders related to the visual system and are highly experienced in both fields.
Before starting your brain tumor treatment, talk to your doctor about the various treatment options. You should also ask questions if you're unclear about something. Finally, talk to your doctor about what you hope to achieve from the treatment and what you're willing to risk to get the best possible result. A "shared decision-making" practice can help you and your doctor make the best decision for your unique case. This is especially important for cancer treatments, which can have serious side effects.
If you have an advanced stage of the disease, radiation treatment may be a good option for you. This treatment can help shrink tumors that have spread throughout the body. During radiation treatment, patients are monitored by brain MRI every two to three months. They're also given regular MRIs once the treatment is complete. This allows them to see whether the tumor has grown or recurred. For more information, visit ASTRO.
There are various types of radiation treatments for brain tumors. The most common treatment option is stereotactic radiosurgery, which involves implanting radioactive material within cancer. Another type of treatment is brachytherapy, which involves placing a radioactive implant in the tumor. The latest advances in radiation treatment for brain tumors include the Glia Site radiotherapy system. In this procedure, a balloon is placed inside cancer, and the radioactive material is passed into it during surgery.