BRAIN TUMOURS
What is a brain tumour?
A brain tumour is described as an abnormal growth of cells. Each tumour is different according to its location, size, and state of growth and whether it is benign or malignant. Therefore there are many differences between the signs and symptoms of each individual who has had a brain tumour.
A child’s body makes cells when they are needed for development or repair. A tumour develops when body’s normal or abnormal cells increase in growth when they are not needed. The words “benign” and “malignant” are generally used to describe whether the cells are normal or abnormal when viewed magnified. Benign tumours are those that are slow growing and do not tend to regrow once they have been treated. They are generally classed as grades 1or 2, grow slowly and are unlikely to spread. On the other hand the malignant tumours are classed as 3 or 4 and most of these class are secondary cancers, which means they started somewhere else in the body and spread to the brain.
What are the types of brain tumour?
- Gliomas (gliomas are graded according to whether slow-growing (low-grade) or fast-growing (high-grade)
- Astrocytic tumour: low-grade astrocytoma, anaplastic astrocytoma, glioblastoma multiform.
- Oligodendroglioma: benign or anaplastic.
- Ependymoma: benign or anaplastic.
- Mixed glioma: astrocytoma and oligodendroglioma.
- Ganglioglioma: benign or anaplastic.
- Choroid plexus tumour: papilloma or carcinoma.
What are the signs and symptoms of the brain tumour?
This depends on the part of the brain that has been affected. The common ones are as follows:
- Very bad and persistent headaches.
- Fits
- Persistent nausea, vomiting and drowsiness
- Changes in behaviour and mental state, such as memory problems or changes in personality
- progressive weakness or paralysis on one side of the body for example vision or speech problems
Brain Tumour physiotherapy
About brain tumour and us
We are specialist neuro physiotherapists with great deal of experience in treating brain tumour. We implement various methods of treatment including Bobath, Carr and Conductive Education. In conjunction we use technology such as functional electrical stimulation to promote movement patterns and a sense of balance. An example of which is the MyGait, a wireless drop foot device. A child with cerebral palsy is more than the sum total of their symptoms; as such we treat the individual as whole rather than their symptom. All treatment much depends on signs and symptoms and the effect of the tumour.
Assessment for brain tumour
At the Birkdale Neuro Rehabilitant Centre we complete a comprehensive assessment of the motor, sensory, cognitive and psychological symptoms to ensure an appropriate treatment plan can be devised. Furthermore, continuing reassessment during follow up treatment sessions will be undertaken to ensure necessary adaptations are made in accordance to the child’s requirements.
Our centre offers a very relaxed atmosphere, where children can enjoy coming after a long period of hospitalization. It is about optimising their ability and encouraging them to get back to routine. School visit and planning to live at home again is a big task and we hope to make this transition easy and fun.
Brain Tumour Physiotherapy
If the brain tumour resulted in hemiplegia, we work on sensory, motor, balance, coordination and gait. It is no longer sufficient to work, solely, on the affected side of the body. Experience shows that because of neuro plasticity, both sides of the brain need to be involved in order to achieve better quality movements. In the past physiotherapists concentrated on one aspect for example purely working on motor. However this is no longer sufficient and it is vital to work on many levels as this is how the brain functions. Therefore it is important to involve, visual, auditory and balance and coordination simultaneously.