|
|
Headaches Due To Brain Tumors
|
 |
Brain tumors are rare causes of Headaches and often have associated neurological symptoms due to pressure(N) on the brain. Tumors can originate in the brain (e.g. astrocytoma and meningioma), or be the result of a primary tumor spreading from elsewhere in the body.
|
 |
|
Symptoms may include headaches, weakness localized to one limb or one side of the body, numbness, visual changes, difficulty with speech, balance difficulty, and behavior changes.
|
 |
Below are some possible risk factors and causes of brain tumors that require further research.
1. Long-standing Seizure(P)s.
2. Personality disorders(N)
3. About 5% of brain tumors are thought to be hereditary (i.e., passed down from parent to child)
4. Individuals with tuberous sclerosis, Neurofibromatosis(P) (type 1 and 2), familial polyposis, and von Hippel-Lindau disease have a higher incidence of brain tumors.
5. Neurofibromatosis(P)
6. Genetic mutation or abnormalities -- majority of individuals with glioblastomas may have extra copies of chromosome number 7
7. Petroleum industry workers
8. Other industry worker may also be at risk, such as weapons manufacturers, pharmaceutical workers, farmers (exposed to pesticides), and those who work with synthetic rubber, polyvinyl chloride, and nuclear power.
9. Viruses are a possible cause that is being investigated.
10. Electromagnetic waves or low Frequency microwaves (EMF), cell phones, and power lines are also being studied as possible risk factors.
Examination
1. Dilated Pupils
2. Papilledema (swelling of optic nerve)
3. Deficits depending on area of tumor
(e.g., if in motor area of brain)
4. Paralysis
5. Posturing (neurological term)
6. Coma
Imaging
1. CT scan with contrast
2. MRI scan with gadolinium enhancement
3. Electroencephalogram (EEG) may be performed to assess brain function and to check for Seizure(P)s.
|
 |
Surgical removal of the tumor and/or radiation treatment. Chemotherapy (e.g., Methotrexate), hormonal therapy (e.g., Tamoxifen or RU-486), biological therapies (angiogenesis-inhibitors, such as Endostatin, which stop new blood vessel formation in the tumor), and gene therapy are some of the treatments being used and researched for treatment of brain tumors.
Some studies have shown that certain vitamins (A, C, E, and Folic Acid) may reduce the risk of developing brain tumors in the children of women who took the vitamins during pregnancy.
Ask your doctor about ongoing and new research and clinical trials.
|
| | |
If you want your friend to read or know about this article, Click here
 |
|
|
