Brain tumour

A brain tumour is an abnormal growth of cells within or around the structure of the brain. They can impact all areas of the brain and change how a person thinks, feels, and reacts. There are over 120 types of brain tumours, ranging from non-malignant (non-cancerous) to malignant (harmful or cancerous). In some cases, brain tumours can put pressure on surrounding tissue, leading to long-term effects.

It is unknown what causes brain tumours, yet family history, age, environmental exposure may be risk factors.

Signs and symptoms of brain tumour

Brain tumour symptoms vary from person to person and may appear overtime or all at once. Not every type of brain tumour will generate the same symptoms. The symptoms may also occur with other conditions, so may not indicate a brain tumour.

Common symptoms of a brain tumour include:

  • Behavioural changes
  • Cognitive changes
  • Dizziness or unsteadiness
  • Double or blurred vision
  • Frequent headaches
  • Hearing impairment
  • Morning nausea and vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Weakness or paralysis

Symptoms of a brain tumour will depend on the size and location of the tumour, and not everyone will experience all the symptoms listed.

A brain tumour is diagnosed by using a combination of neurological exams, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans.

Treatment for brain tumour

Doctors will determine the best treatment for a brain tumour based on factors like:

  • Age
  • Overall health
  • Tumour location
  • Tumour size
  • Tumour type

For malignant tumours (such as cancer), surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy are the most recommended treatments. For more information about cancerous tumours, including metastatic cancer, visit the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada website.

In cases where surgery is not possible or the brain tumour is not doing any harm or causing any major symptoms, , doctors may recommend monitoring the tumour before making additional treatment decisions; this is called a “wait and see approach”. It’s important to discuss your available treatment options with the healthcare professionals about treatment.

Brain tumour recurrence

Sometimes a brain tumour can become ‘active’ again. This could indicate growth or change in the tumour. Normally this is discovered during routine checkups. If your tumour does come back or become active again, your healthcare team will determine the best course of treatment.

Tips for living with brain tumour

Ask for help & access support
You may need help from family, friends, or caregivers to complete activities of daily living (ADLs), get to appointments, or to run errands. But unless you ask, your circle of supporters may not know how best to help you. If there is something you need, you should always ask.

There are many ways to access support, whether that is one-on-one support, or attend a virtual brain tumour support group. Gain peer support in a safe, relaxed atmosphere from the comfort of your home.

Ask questions of your healthcare team
Your healthcare team has a wealth of knowledge about brain tumours, and they can help you learn all you can about yours. They can also keep you informed of treatment options and clinical trials for which you may be eligible.
Find ways to cope with cognitive, behavioural, and physical effects
The brain tumour may be altering your cognitive, behavioural, and physical abilities. This affects your activities of daily living (ADLs) and can mean that you can’t do things the same way you used to before your brain tumour.

There are ways to cope with those changes. For example, if you are experiencing memory problems, writing things down can help you keep track of tasks.

Learn about finding your new normal
With a brain tumour diagnosis comes a lot of change in your life. Nothing may ever be quite the same again. It will take time to adjust to your new normal, and you will experience strong emotions – even grief.

Learning what to expect when things are changing for you is a good way to pick up coping methods that can make transitions easier.

Take care of your physical health
A brain tumour is a health condition that can have many effects on mind and body. Eating a healthy balanced diet, exercising safely, and getting appropriate rest are great ways to take care of yourself.

Resources

Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada offers many programs, services, and support for anyone affected by a brain tumour. Their handbooks provide information about treatment options, long-term effects, and an overview of brain tumours. These handbooks are available in English and French (print copy shipped free in Canada or available electronically)

Adult Brain Tumour Handbook
Adult Brain Tumour Patient Handbook cover image

Order handbook

Non-Malignant Brain Tumour
Non-Malignant Brain Tumour Patient Handbook cover image

Order handbook

Pediatric Brain Tumour
Pediatric Brain Tumour Patient Handbook cover image

Order handbook

Brain Tumour Caregiver Handbook
Caregiver Brain Tumour Handbook cover image

Order handbook


See sources


Disclaimer: There is no shortage of web-based online medical diagnostic tools, self-help or support groups, or sites that make unsubstantiated claims around diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Please note these sources may not be evidence-based, regulated or moderated properly and it is encouraged individuals seek advice and recommendations regarding diagnosis, treatment and symptom management from a regulated healthcare professional such as a physician or nurse practitioner. Individuals should be cautioned about sites that make any of the following statements or claims that:

  • The product or service promises a quick fix
  • Sound too good to be true
  • Are dramatic or sweeping and are not supported by reputable medical and scientific organizations.
  • Use of terminology such as “research is currently underway” or “preliminary research results” which indicate there is no current research.
  • The results or recommendations of product or treatment are based on a single or small number of case studies and has not been peer-reviewed by external experts
  • Use of testimonials from celebrities or previous clients/patients that are anecdotal and not evidence-based 

Always proceed with caution and with the advice of your medical team. 

Non-Traumatic Brain Injury (nTBI)

An acquired brain injury (ABI) refers to any damage to the brain that occurs after birth and is not related to a congenital or a degenerative disease. There are two types of acquired brain injury: non-traumatic and traumatic.

Topics in this section include:


Non-traumatic brain injury

Non-traumatic acquired brain injuries are caused by something that happens inside the body, or a substance introduced into the body that damages brain tissues.

This includes:

A video on acquired brain injury

Acquired brain injury affects every part of a person’s life. This includes changes to your independence, abilities, work, and relationships with family, friends, and caregivers. Since a brain injury differs from person to person and recovery depends on several factors, in many cases it’s difficult to know what long-term behavioural, cognitive, physical or emotional effects there will be.

The effects of brain injury can be put in the following categories [1]:

Behavioural changes: The way a person acts or makes decisions can change after a brain injury. Behavioural changes include engaging in risky or impulsive behaviour, having difficulty with social and work relationships and isolation. This can be stressful and depending on the behaviour can cause safety concerns. Rehabilitation and medical teams will be able to provide practical tips for behaviour after a brain injury.

Cognitive changes: This is how the brain learns, processes information, forms memories and makes decisions. Challenges include communication, concentration, reading/writing, making decisions, and remembering things.

Emotional changes: after a brain injury, a person may experience new or different emotions, including depression, anxiety, and/or anger. Emotional changes are difficult to adjust to, and it’s important to have a support system of family, friends, and medical professionals.

Physical changes: In some cases, a brain injury will have physical effects. These effects include mobility challenges, headaches, fatigue, pain and sensory changes.

Is a concussion a brain injury?

A concussion is an acquired brain injury. Anyone who sustains a concussion can experience many of the physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioural effects that accompany acquired brain injuries.

Concussion is also known as mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) that has no neuroimaging findings. The term mild does not diminish the impacts that concussion can have on your health and activities of daily living (ADLs).

The challenges of prognosis

Prognosis means the likely path a disease or injury will take. In the case of acquired brain injury, prognosis is meant to give a best estimate of effects and recovery. Acquired brain injuries are all different, and there are a lot of factors that will impact a prognosis of recovery.

Factors that affect prognosis include:

  • Severity of injury
  • Previous injuries and existing conditions
  • Access to treatment
  • Age
  • Location of injury

Research shows that there is no system or set of variables that can accurately predict outcome for a single patient [2]. There is no definite timeline for recovery – it’s different for everyone. Doctors will update their prognosis as recovery progresses and provide next steps at the same time.

This section of our website covers the kinds of changes you may experience, management tips, and information on the kinds of tools and services that can help you and your family navigate living with brain injury.

Resources


See sources