When my oldest son was diagnosed with a brain tumor, after keeling over with a string of seizures, I was shocked, angry, concerned, sad and confused. How had the tumor never been noted previously? What suddenly brought on the signs of the tumor? Would he die from it? Become debilitated?
After the initial shock, and a batch of tests in Winston-Salem, I began to study more about brain tumors online. I used to think a brain tumor meant certain death, but not so! A brain tumor can cause everything from trembling, to inability to eat, to, yes, death, but in some cases, it simply means clumsiness or difficulty pronouncing words. The physician was helpful, at least with the prognosis, stating that the tumor could possibly move, and surgery would then become an option, or the tumor could stay in position and cause all sorts of problems.
Among the more prominent symptoms of brain tumors are headaches, a change in the person’s personality, sleep disturbances, vomiting, no desire for food, a noticeable difference in the gait – or walk – of the person, sensory disturbances, mood swings, emotional outbursts or behavioral problems, seizures, speech problems and intellectual disturbances.
Severe headache, seizure or behavioral issues are the primary reasons a person is taken to the emergency room, or doctor, and then diagnosed with a brain tumor, after a CT scan. Some tumors are inoperable, and will cause death, and the physician will discuss this with the patient and/or guardians at the time. Other tumors lie in place and cause havoc with everything from eye sight to outbursts of rage. Various drugs may be used to prevent seizures and help with mood swings.
Initially, the physician may want to do a series of MRI tests, which is an imaging test that allows the doctor to detect movement of the tumor, additional tumors, or life-threatening ailments related to the tumor. This is a painless procedure where the patient is placed into a tube-like machine which will take the necessary images.
If the tumor is one that can be killed or controlled by radiation, the treatments will likely begin immediately. The treatments can last for months and can cause severe sickness, vomiting, hair loss and other problems. Some patients are admitted to the hospital for the treatments then sent home within a day or two of the treatment.
If the tumor is inoperable, and radiation nor sound waves can get rid of it, the patient might then become despondent, depressed, suicidal or just withdrawn. Discuss these symptoms with your physician; he may be able to prescribe some medications which will make the patient more comfortable.
My son was diagnosed with the inoperable tumor over 4 years ago and has yet to be hospitalized. He has had some vision trouble, weight loss, depression and a change in his personality, though. The seizures continue, but are rare, and leave him quite shaken. He has difficulty sleeping and eating, and has trouble with depression. Still, he is alive.
He lives with his wife and children and is able to help with the kids and house chores. The drugs he takes for seizures and depression help somewhat. There are no other treatments they can offer at this time.
Anytime you notice a change in a person, whom you’re very familiar with, such as sudden bouts of clumsiness, seizures, or severe headache, have them seen by a physician right away. Many people put off going to the doctor because they’re afraid of the diagnosis. This time of denial only allows the tumor to continue growing without treatment.
Read more about brain tumors and you’ll see that thousands upon thousands of people live through the ordeal. Surgery, new procedures and a greater understanding of the brain, has led to many more survivals than previously. If your loved one has been diagnosed you’ll learn more by visiting the links below.
Reference:
- Common symptoms by location of tumor: neurosurgery.mgh.harvard.edu/abta/primer.htm#Section4
