Brain Tumor

BrainTumor
What is it?
*Neoplasm arising from intracranial cells
-Benign- unlikely to spread
-Malignant- likely to spread
*Neuroma- tumor composed of nerve cells, along any nerve, may not be associated
with a brain tumor
Signs and Symptoms:
*Vertigo, headache, convulsions, altered consciousness, inability to follow commands,
personality/mental changes, unequal pupil response, blurred/decreased vision,
hemianopsia, ptosis, tinnitus, altered gait, dysphagia, vomiting with or without nausea,
less of sense of smell, elevated blood pressure, aphasia
Medications:
*Analgesics- relieve pain, Vitamin C depletion common
*Anticonvulsant- decrease folacin levels, other nutrients, monitor individually
*Steroid Therapy- decrease sodium, increase potassium, negative nitrogen balance
may occur, hyperglycemia may occur over time
Facts:
*More common in girls ages 5-9
*50% of brain tumors- glioma- tumor of neurological origin
What can I do?
*See your Physician
-prevent upper respiratory infections with coughing, increases intracranial pressure
-radiation, surgery, correct hypoalbuminemia
*See RD for help as needed *See FFF RD on line for help
*Adequate calories/avoid excess, monitor albumin levels, increase fluids, fiber, NAS
*Avoid- constipation, straining, monitor of dysphagia