Symptoms
Brain tumors create a wide range of symptoms, depending on the type, location and size of the tumor, which can press against blood vessels, nerves and organs. Discomfort also can be caused by cancer treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These procedures can suppress your immune system, making you susceptible to infections and other painful conditions. This can cause:
Headaches
Nausea and vomiting
Seizures
Diagnosis
Diagnosing your cancer-related pain starts with a physical examination by your doctor, who will seek to learn more about your symptoms and medical history. Your doctor may also recommend advanced imaging options, including:
Radioactive material is injected into your bloodstream. The test can identify tumor locations and whether they are spreading to other organs.
These scanners use multiple X-ray images compiled with the help of a computer to create highly detailed 3D images of your brain.
Powerful magnets and radio waves are used to create detailed images of your brain.
Sound waves are used to produce images of the brain.
Treatment
At the Orlando Health Neuroscience Institute, we offer a broad range of pain management options for brain cancer patients. Depending on your own unique situation, options include:
There are several options to help control these unwanted bursts of electrical activity in the brain.
These can be particularly useful against headaches caused by tumors pressing against sensitive areas of the brain. They also help manage side effects from chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
You may benefit from a range of non-medical treatments, including yoga, meditation, acupuncture, biofeedback and massage.
These can be used to reduce painful brain swelling.
Our team participates in clinical trials that can offer our patients early access to promising treatments and therapies to manage pain.
