Treatment for Complications

Some tumors, particularly medulloblastomas, interfere with the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and cause hydrocephalus. This causes a build-up fluid in the ventricles (the cavities) in the brain. This can cause nausea and vomiting, severe headaches, lethargy, difficulty staying awake, seizures, visual impairment, irritability, and tiredness.

The ventricles of the brain are hollow chambers filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which supports the tissues of the brain.

Corticosteroids (commonly called steroids), such as dexamethasone (Decadron), prednisolone, and prednisone are used to treat hydrocephalus (fluid build up in the brain). Side effects include high blood pressure, mood swings, susceptibility to infection, increased appetite, facial swelling, and fluid retention.

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Human corticotropin-releasing factor (hCRF), a naturally occurring neurohormone, appears to possess substantial anti-swelling properties and thus has been proposed as an alternative to corticosteroids in brain edema, with potentially fewer side effects.

A shunt procedure may be performed to drain fluid. Shunts are flexible tubes used to reroute and drain the fluid.

Seizures

Seizures are common in brain tumor cases, with younger patients having higher risks than older ones. Anti-epileptic medications, such as carbamazepine or phenobarbital, may used to treat seizures and are helpful in preventing recurrence. These agents are not useful in preventing a first seizure, however. It should also be noted that anti-seizure medications might interact with some of the chemotherapies used to treat the brain cancers, including paclitaxel, irinotecan, interferon, and retinoic acid. Patients should discuss these interactions with their doctor.

Depression

Antidepressants are very useful for treating the emotional side effects of this disease. Support groups can also have great benefit for both patients and families.