Recognizing Brain Cancer Symptoms
If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:
- Unexplained, persistent vomiting
- Double vision or unexplained blurring of vision, especially on only one side
- Lethargy or increased sleepiness
- New seizures
- New pattern or type of headaches
Although headaches are often associated with brain cancer, they may not occur until later stages of the disease. If you notice a significant change in your headache pattern, consult your healthcare provider who may recommend a hospital visit.
If you have a known brain tumor and experience symptoms similar to this, seek immediate medical attention. Watch out for:
- Seizures
- Changes in mental status, such as excessive sleepiness, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating
- Visual changes or other sensory problems
- Difficulty with speech or articulation
- Changes in behavior and personality
- Clumsiness or difficulty walking
- Nausea or vomiting, especially in middle-aged or older individuals
- Sudden onset of fever, especially after chemotherapy
Self-Care and Support
Discuss your condition with your healthcare provider and involve your family members in the conversation.
Home care typically involves supportive measures tailored to your symptoms. For example, if you have difficulty walking, ensure you have a walker available when needed.
If you experience changes in mental status, create a care plan that addresses your individual needs. In cases of poor prognosis, discuss options for hospice care, advance directives, and living will provisions with your doctor.
Home hospice care provides pain and symptom relief, along with emotional and spiritual support, in a home setting. It involves a multidisciplinary approach with professionals like physicians, nurses, pharmacists, aides, social workers, spiritual caregivers, and counselors.
Advance directives and living wills are legal documents that outline which treatments to administer and which to withhold. These documents allow you to make decisions regarding your care as long as you are mentally competent.
Follow-up Care
Once your brain tumor is diagnosed, it's essential to attend all your scheduled appointments with consultants and your primary healthcare provider. People with brain cancer are at increased risk of additional medical issues and potential recurrence or symptom worsening.
After treatment, you'll have follow-up visits with your cancer care team, including checkups and tests. This follow-up aims to detect any cancer recurrence or long-term treatment effects promptly for immediate intervention.
Prevention
In general, brain cancers cannot be prevented. However, early detection and treatment of tumors that may metastasize to the brain can reduce the risk of metastatic brain tumors.
Avoiding known risk factors, such as radiation to the head and HIV infection, may help reduce your risk.