Tumour

What is a brain tumour?

A brain tumour happens when abnormal cells grow in the brain. These growths can disrupt how the brain works and can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

There are two main types of brain tumours:

• Primary brain tumours: These start in the brain
• Secondary brain tumours: These start in another part of the body and spread to the brain (also known as metastatic tumours)

What does a brain tumour do to the brain?

Imagine the brain as a busy city, with brain cells acting like citizens working together. A brain tumour is like a group of citizens who start to build a huge, disruptive structure that affects how the city functions. This “structure” can push on parts of the brain, causing problems with how the brain works.

Signs and Symptoms

Knowing the signs of a brain tumour can help prepare you for what you might see or experience. Here are some common symptoms to look out for:

• Headaches: Often severe and worse in the morning
• Nausea and vomiting: Especially in the morning or with a headache
• Seizures: Sudden, uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain
• Vision problems: Blurred or double vision, or loss of peripheral vision
• Behavioral changes: Personality changes, memory issues, or confusion
• Weakness or numbness: Especially on one side of the body

What tests might be done?

A tumour is an acquired brain injury (ABI). ABI’s can be seen on different tests like a CT Scan or MRI. These tests will help professionals know the type of ABI, how serious it is and what parts of the brain have been hurt.

How could a brain tumour affect my special person?

The effects of a brain tumour depend on where it is located in the brain and how large it is. Here are some common impacts:

• Movement and coordination: Difficulty walking, balance issues, or paralysis
• Speech and understanding: Trouble speaking, understanding speech, reading, or writing
• Vision: Problems with seeing out of one or both eyes
• Thinking and memory: Issues with memory, attention, or solving problems
• Emotions: Changes in mood or behavior, such as feeling more anxious or depressed

Life after a brain tumour diagnosis

Dealing with a brain tumour can be a long journey, but many people make improvements with the right support. Here are some steps involved:

• Treatment: This may include surgery to remove the tumour, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy to shrink it, and medications to manage symptoms
• Rehabilitation: This includes physical therapy to regain strength and coordination, speech therapy to improve communication, and occupational therapy to relearn daily activities
• Healthy lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and following the doctor’s advice can help in recovery
• Support: Emotional and psychological support from family, friends, and professionals is crucial. Support groups can also be very helpful

How you can help?

If someone you know has a brain tumour, you can make a big difference:

• Be patient: Recovery can take time, and your patience will be a great help
• Offer support: Help with daily tasks, be a good listener, and encourage your special person to follow their treatment and rehabilitation plan
• Stay positive: A positive attitude can boost your special person’s morale and encourage them to keep going