Managing symptoms and side effects during brain tumor illness.
Malignant brain tumors and the therapies used to treat them can present challenging problems. Headache is the most common symptom during brain tumor illness. Etiology determines the exact management approach, but pharmacologic and non pharmacologic measures may be used. Seizures also commonly occur and are best managed with anti epileptic drug therapy. Infection and deep venous thrombosis are concerns and are best approached by preventive measures and early aggressive intervention if those measures fail. Depression, fatigue, memory and personality changes may complicate care and are approached on an individual basis. Early discussion about end-of-life issues is necessary because the disease itself can impair decision-making ability.
Stewart-Amidei
Christina
C
Section of Neurosurgery, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, MC 3026, Chicago, IL, USA. camidei@surgery.bsd.uchicago.edu
D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000009:adverse effects; D005104:Expert Testimony; D006261:Headache / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D012640:Seizures / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D003907:Dexamethasone