What is The Brain Tumor Treatment – Basic Information

What is The Brain Tumor Treatment – Basic Information

{SCA} Many people with brain tumors want to take an active part in making decisions about their medical care.

They want to learn all they can about their disease and their treatment choices.

However, shock and stress after a diagnosis of a brain tumor can make it hard to think of everything to ask the doctor. It often helps to make a list of questions before an appointment.

To help remember what the doctor says, patients may take notes or ask whether they may use a tape recorder. Some also want to have a family member or friend with them when they talk to the doctor – to take part in the discussion, to take notes, or just to listen.

The doctor may refer the patient to a specialist, or the patient may ask for a referral. Specialists who treat brain tumors include neurosurgeons, neurooncologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists.

The patient may be referred to other health care professionals who work together as a team. The medical team may include a nurse, dietitian, mental health counselor, social worker, physical therapist, occupational therapist, and speech therapist.

Children may need tutors to help with schoolwork. (The section on “Rehabilitation” has more information about therapists and tutors.)

Getting a second opinion

Before starting treatment, the patient might want a second opinion about the diagnosis and the treatment plan. Some insurance companies require a second opinion; others may cover a second opinion if the patient or doctor requests it.

There are a number of ways to find a doctor for a second opinion:

    * The patient’s doctor may refer the patient to one or more specialists. At cancer centers, several specialists often work together as a team.

    * The Cancer Information Service, at 1-800-4-CANCER, can tell callers about nearby treatment centers.

    * A person with a brain tumor can request a consultation with a team of specialists in NCI’s Neuro-Oncology Branch of the Warren Grant Magnuson Clinical Center at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland (301-402-6298).

    * A local or state medical society, a nearby hospital, or a medical school can usually provide the names of specialists.

    * The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) has a list of doctors who have met certain education and training requirements and have passed specialty examinations. The Official ABMS Directory of Board Certified Medical Specialists lists doctors’ names along with their specialty and their educational background. The directory is available in most public libraries.

Preparing for Treatment

The doctor can describe treatment choices and discuss the results expected with each treatment option. The doctor and patient can work together to develop a treatment plan that fits the patient’s needs.

Treatment depends on a number of factors, including the type, location, size, and grade of the tumor. For some types of brain cancer, the doctor also needs to know whether cancer cells were found in the cerebrospinal fluid.

These are some questions a person may want to ask the doctor before treatment begins:

    * What type of brain tumor do I have?

    * Is it benign or malignant?

    * What is the grade of the tumor?

    * What are my treatment choices? Which do you recommend for me? Why?

    * What are the benefits of each kind of treatment?

    * What are the risks and possible side effects of each treatment?

    * What is the treatment likely to cost?

    * How will treatment affect my normal activities?

    * Would a clinical trial (research study) be appropriate for me? Can you help me find one?

People do not need to ask all of their questions or understand all of the answers at one time. They will have other chances to ask the doctor to explain things that are not clear and to ask for more information.

Information About Rehabilitation After Treatment for Brain Tumors

Information About Rehabilitation After Treatment for Brain Tumors

Rehabilitation can be a very important part of the treatment plan. The goals of rehabilitation depend on the person’s needs and how the tumor has affected daily activities. The health care team makes every effort to help the patient return to normal activities as soon as possible. Several types of therapists can help:

    * Physical therapists – Brain tumors and their treatment may cause paralysis. They may also cause weakness and problems with balance. Physical therapists help patients regain strength and balance.

    * Speech therapists – Speech therapists help patients who have trouble speaking, expressing thoughts, or swallowing.

    * Occupational therapists – Occupational therapists help patients learn to manage activities of daily living, such as eating, using the toilet, bathing, and dressing.

Children with brain tumors may have special needs. Sometimes children have tutors in the hospital or at home. Children who have problems learning or remembering what they learn may need tutors or special classes when they return to school.

What happens after treatment for brain tumors?

Regular followup is very important after treatment for a brain tumor. The doctor checks closely to make sure that the tumor has not returned. Checkups may include careful physical and neurologic exams. From time to time, the patient may have MRI or CT scans. If the patient has a shunt, the doctor checks to see that it is working well. The doctor can explain the followup plan – how often the patient must visit the doctor and what tests will be needed.

What support is available to patients with brain tumors?

Living with a serious disease such as a brain tumor is not easy. Some people find they need help coping with the emotional and practical aspects of their disease. Support groups can help. In these groups, patients or their family members get together to share what they have learned about coping with the disease and the effects of treatment. Patients may want to talk with a member of their health care team about finding a support group. Groups may offer support in person, over the telephone, or on the Internet.

People living with a brain tumor may worry about caring for their families, keeping their jobs, or continuing daily activities. Concerns about treatments and managing side effects, hospital stays, and medical bills are also common. Doctors, nurses, and other members of the health care team can answer questions about treatment, working, or other activities. Meeting with a social worker, counselor, or member of the clergy can be helpful to those who want to talk about their feelings or discuss their concerns. Often, a social worker can suggest resources for financial aid, transportation, home care, or emotional support.

The Cancer Information Service can provide information to help patients and their families locate programs, services, and publications.

The promise of cancer research

Doctors all over the country are conducting many types of clinical trials. These are research studies in which people take part voluntarily. Studies include new ways to treat brain tumors. Research has already led to advances, and researchers continue to search for more effective approaches.

Patients who join these studies have the first chance to benefit from treatments that have shown promise in earlier research. They also make an important contribution to medical science by helping doctors learn more about the disease. Although clinical trials may pose some risks, researchers take very careful steps to protect their patients.

Researchers are testing new anticancer drugs, doses, and treatment schedules. They are working with various drugs and drug combinations, as well as combinations of drugs and radiation therapy. They also are testing new methods and schedules of radiation therapy.

What is the Signs and Symptoms of a Brain Tumor(Gliomas)

What is the Signs and Symptoms of a Brain Tumor(Gliomas)

{SCA} The symptoms of brain tumors depend on tumor size, type, and location. Symptoms may be caused when a tumor presses on a nerve or damages a certain area of the brain. They also may be caused when the brain swells or fluid builds up within the skull.

    * These are the most common symptoms of brain tumors:

    * Headaches (usually worse in the morning)

    * Nausea or vomiting

    * Changes in speech, vision, or hearing

    * Problems balancing or walking

    * Changes in mood, personality, or ability to concentrate

    * Problems with memory

    * Muscle jerking or twitching (seizures or convulsions)

    * Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs

These symptoms are not sure signs of a brain tumor. Other conditions also could cause these problems. Anyone with these symptoms should see a doctor as soon as possible. Only a doctor can diagnose and treat the problem.

How are brain tumors diagnosed?

If a person has symptoms that suggest a brain tumor, the doctor may perform one or more of the following procedures:

    * Physical exam – The doctor checks general signs of health.

    * Neurologic exam – The doctor checks for alertness, muscle strength, coordination, reflexes, and response to pain. The doctor also examines the eyes to look for swelling caused by a tumor pressing on the nerve that connects the eye and brain.

    * CT scan – An x-ray machine linked to a computer takes a series of detailed pictures of the head. The patient may receive an injection of a special dye so the brain shows up clearly in the pictures. The pictures can show tumors in the brain.

    * MRI – A powerful magnet linked to a computer makes detailed pictures of areas inside the body. These pictures are viewed on a monitor and can also be printed. Sometimes a special dye is injected to help show differences in the tissues of the brain. The pictures can show a tumor or other problem in the brain.

The doctor may ask for other tests:

    * Angiogram - Dye injected into the bloodstream flows into the blood vessels in the brain to make them show up on an x-ray. If a tumor is present, the doctor may be able to see it on the x-ray.

    * Skull x-ray – Some types of brain tumors cause calcium deposits in the brain or changes in the bones of the skull. With an x-ray, the doctor can check for these changes.

    * Spinal tap – The doctor may remove a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid that fills the spaces in and around the brain and spinal cord). This procedure is performed with local anesthesia. The doctor uses a long, thin needle to remove fluid from the spinal column. A spinal tap takes about 30 minutes. The patient must lie flat for several hours afterward to keep from getting a headache. A laboratory checks the fluid for cancer cells or other signs of problems.

    * Myelogram – This is an x-ray of the spine. A spinal tap is performed to inject a special dye into the cerebrospinal fluid. The patient is tilted to allow the dye to mix with the fluid. This test helps the doctor detect a tumor in the spinal cord.

    * Biopsy – The removal of tissue to look for tumor cells is called a biopsy. A pathologist looks at the cells under a microscope to check for abnormal cells. A biopsy can show cancer, tissue changes that may lead to cancer, and other conditions. A biopsy is the only sure way to diagnose a brain tumor.

    * Surgeons can obtain tissue to look for tumor cells in three ways:
          o Needle biopsy - The surgeon makes a small incision in the scalp and drills a small hole into the skull. This is called a burr hole. The doctor passes a needle through the burr hole and removes a sample of tissue from the brain tumor.
          o Stereotactic biopsy - An imaging device, such as CT or MRI, guides the needle through the burr hole to the location of the tumor. The surgeon withdraws a sample of tissue with the needle.
          o Biopsy at the same time as treatment - Sometimes the surgeon takes a tissue sample when the patient has surgery to remove the tumor.

Sometimes a biopsy is not possible. If the tumor is in the brain stem or certain other areas, the surgeon may not be able to remove tissue from the tumor without damaging normal brain tissue. The doctor uses MRI, CT, or other imaging tests instead.

A person who needs a biopsy may want to ask the doctor the following questions:

    * Why do I need a biopsy? How will the biopsy affect my treatment plan?

    * What kind of biopsy will I have?

    * How long will it take? Will I be awake? Will it hurt?

    * What are the chances of infection or bleeding after the biopsy? Are there any other risks?

    * How soon will I know the results?

    * If I do have a brain tumor, who will talk to me about treatment? When?

What is The Brain Tumor Causes – Brain Tumors That Begin in The Brain

What is The Brain Tumor Causes – Brain Tumors That Begin in The Brain

{SCA} There is no known cause of brain cancer. Extensive research has been conducted to pinpoint a cause to help prevent the cancer from occurring.

Although there has not been very much conclusive evidence leading to a cause of brain cancer, the one thing that doctors do know is that brain cancer is not contagious and it does not occur due to head injury.

There are known instances where cancer has spread to the brain from other parts of the body.(Lung cancer,Breast cancer,Liver cancer and so on.)

Brain cancer can occur at any age. Studies have shown that two major age groups are affected. From ages 3 to 12 and 40 to 70 are the age groups when brain cancer is formed.

Since researchers have been able to gather this data, it has led to the discovery of some risk factors. Workers in certain industries are at a higher risk for brain cancer than workers in other industries. These include, rubber manufacturing, drug manufacturing, and oil refining.

Since brain cancer often occurs with members of the same family, heredity is believed to be another cause of brain cancer.

There are many different kinds of cells in the brain, each with a different function. Sometimes the cells inside the brain begin to grow uncontrollably leading to a tumor.

A tumor in the brain may or may not be malignant.If benign a tumor stays where it starts, although it can grow very large and put pressure on crucial areas.

In the case of a malignant brain tumor however this has the ability to spread and brain cancer occurs. Brain cancer is dangerous and life-threatening as the cancerous cells can interrupt vital brain functions.

When brain cancer occurs, the cells continue to grow at a rapid pace. The cells and tissue around these cancerous cells become crowded out and invaded.

Symptoms of brain cancer include headaches that are worse in the morning, changes in personality, abnormal eye movements, and weakness in the arms and legs. Seizures, nausea, and drowsiness are other symptoms of brain cancer.

Surgery is the treatment of choice for primary brain tumors radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are the treatments that are used when cancer has spread to the brain. The doctor will use one or a combination of these treatments depending on the needs of the patient.

What are Secondary Brain Tumors – Overview

What are Secondary Brain Tumors – Overview

What are secondary brain tumors?

{SCA} When cancer spreads from its original place to another part of the body, the new tumor has the same kind of abnormal cells and the same name as the primary tumor. Cancer that spreads to the brain from another part of the body is different from a primary brain tumor. When cancer cells spread to the brain from another organ (such as the lung or breast), doctors may call the tumor in the brain a secondary tumor or metastatic tumor. Secondary tumors in the brain are far more common than primary brain tumors.

What causes and who is at risk for brain tumors?

No one knows the exact causes of brain tumors. Doctors can seldom explain why one person develops a brain tumor and another does not. However, it is clear that brain tumors are not contagious. No one can “catch” the disease from another person.

Research has shown that people with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop a brain tumor. A risk factor is anything that increases a person’s chance of developing a disease.

The following risk factors are associated with an increased chance of developing a primary brain tumor:

* Being male – In general, brain tumors are more common in males than females. However, meningiomas are more common in females.

* Race – Brain tumors occur more often among white people than among people of other races.

* Age - Most brain tumors are detected in people who are 70 years old or older. However, brain tumors are the second most common cancer in children. (Leukemia is the most common childhood cancer.) Brain tumors are more common in children younger than 8 years old than in older children.

* Family history – People with family members who have gliomas may be more likely to develop this disease.

* Being exposed to radiation or certain chemicals at work:

*
o Radiation – Workers in the nuclear industry have an increased risk of developing a brain tumor.
o Formaldehyde – Pathologists and embalmers who work with formaldehyde have an increased risk of developing brain cancer. Scientists have not found an increased risk of brain cancer among other types of workers exposed to formaldehyde.
o Vinyl chloride – Workers who make plastics may be exposed to vinyl chloride. This chemical may increase the risk of brain tumors.
o Acrylonitrile – People who make textiles and plastics may be exposed to acrylonitrile. This exposure may increase the risk of brain cancer.

Scientists are investigating whether cell phones may cause brain tumors. Studies thus far have not found an increased risk of brain tumors among people who use cell phones.

Scientists also continue to study whether head injuries are a risk factor for brain tumors. So far, these studies have not found an increased risk among people who have had head injuries.

Most people who have known risk factors do not get brain cancer. On the other hand, many who do get the disease have none of these risk factors. People who think they may be at risk should discuss this concern with their doctor. The doctor may be able to suggest ways to reduce the risk and can plan an appropriate schedule for checkups.

Hypotension or Low BP Diet

Hypotension or Low BP Diet | Low Blood Pressure Diet

Diet for low blood pressure is an essential topic to discuss if you have the ailment. This is because diet plays a vital role in regulating your blood pressure. You have to remember some tips to make the low blood pressure diet. These tips include a combination of things you should essentially eat as well as those you should avoid.

Low Blood Pressure Diet Tips

Most ailments we have can be treated through a certain diet. Same is true with hypotension or low blood pressure. We should follow a diet program so as to keep away the problem. To treat low blood pressure, the following dietary tips should be implemented.

Eating fresh fruits can help treat hypotension.

The patient is advised to eat only fresh fruits in his meal every five hours. This should be done for five consecutive days. For the next two weeks, he should be eating the fruit with fresh milk. He can add a balanced diet which includes grains, seeds, nuts and vegetables for a better health.

foods that are rich in vitamin C and vitamin B complex

A person with a low blood pressure should also increase his intake of foods that are rich in vitamin C and vitamin B complex. Lack of these vitamins will lead to hypotension. Vitamin B5 is necessary in the formation of energy, metabolism of fats and carbohydrates as well as in the formation of iron. Deficiency in vitamin B5 will cause sodium removal in the body. This vitamin is found in all animal foods especially the liver. It is also found in chicken meat, eggs and in vegetables especially in whole grains.

Vitamin C and Vitamin E are great diets for low blood pressure as well

Vitamin C and Vitamin E are great diets for low blood pressure as well. Vitamin C is found most in peppers, also in citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits and lemon. In vegetables, it is found in cabbage and broccoli at the most but it is also sourced out from spinach, cauliflowers, radishes, and Brussels sprouts. Vitamin E on the other hand, is found in sunflower seeds, wheat germ oil, soy lecithin olive oil and toasted almonds. Apples and asparagus are also sources of vitamin E but in lesser amounts.

Protein

Protein is very important to a person with hypotension. Once your body lacks protein your blood vessels become too weak to bump blood properly. It is believed that animal protein is more complete than plant protein. Therefore it is better to get protein from animal foods like egg (90% assimilated) and milk (80% assimilated). In plant, wheat has the greatest value of protein in which 50% is assimilated. In vegetables, it is necessary to combine different kinds so as to complete the protein intake. One good way to get high quality protein is to combine egg or milk or any dairy products with plant foods. Examples of this combination are:

* Yogurt and cereal

* Pasta with cheese

* Vegetables with egg

1. It is also necessary for the person to keep himself hydrated since dehydration can cause low blood pressure. He should at least drink 8 glasses of water daily. Drinking much water increases blood volume which helps raise blood pressure
2. Limit your alcohol intake. Sports drinks that are high in potassium and sodium can help. This helps rehydration.
3. Reduce caffeine intake. If you are a heavy coffee drinker, it is best to reduce your intake one cup at a time until such time you no longer crave for coffee.
4. Include a diet that is higher in salt. Sodium is necessary for the maintenance of fluid balance in your body. It helps raise blood pressure. You can add salt into your meals but if you are not used to eating salty foods, you can try table salt which can be bought from herbalists or from pharmacies. The recommended dose is 900-1000 mg 3 times a day, but you can start taking small amount and progressively increase it.

Diet for low blood pressure is essential to make sure that you are in the pink of health. While most people may have problems with high blood pressure, there are also those who have low blood pressure problems. It is in this regard that the low blood pressure diet should be considered. If you want, you can also use some supplements such as the ones listed in this page: high blood pressure treatment.

Can Dandruff Cause Hair Loss?

Can Dandruff Cause Hair Loss? | Dandruff Home Remedies


It has been seen to completely eradicate this problem with repeated use.

Since your condition seems rather severe, it would be prudent to use a medicated anti-dandruff shampoo that contains ketoconazole and then use home remedies after that to ensure that you do not suffer from this problem again. However, if you wish to, you can also skin the medicated shampoo and use only natural remedies.

While this will definitely be a lot easier on your hair, the only drawback is that it will take a little longer to show the same results.

A paste made out of soaked fenugreek seeds is considered to be very effective in treating dandruff. You will need to soak a handful of these seeds in water overnight and then grind them into a paste the next morning along with the water in which they were soaking. Apply this paste to your entire scalp and leave it on for at least 1 or 2 hours. Cover your hair with a shower cap as this will allow the fenugreek paste to soak in to your scalp instead of just drying up in your hair.

Wash your hair well with lukewarm water after this. Do this at least twice a week for a month for a clear scalp and visibly healthier hair. You can also follow the same method using beetroot juice instead of the fenugreek paste.

You can also use a hair pack once a week to get rid of your dandruff. Skin and blend a ripe tomato and strain the pulp to obtain the juice. Mix this juice along with a few spoons of black gram flour and a tablespoon of Fuller’s earth.

You can add a few drops of fresh lemon juice to this paste and apply it to your scalp. The slightly acidic nature of this hair pack will help to slough off the dead skin cells as well as kill off the fungus causing this problem.

Right from ancient days, hair is considered as one of the biggest beauty asset of a woman. Any woman would love to possess thick healthy hair. But due to their hectic lifestyles these days both men and women suffer from hair loss, dandruff problems and premature graying of hair.

As one gets older, the hair loses its natural colour and turns grey. But premature graying is a morose condition wherein even the young appear old due to the color of their hair. This is of much concern to men and women alike. A few herbal and home remedies for hair loss, premature graying and dandruff are mentioned herein:

1. Though one has to accept the fact that there is no definite way to prevent hair loss, a little care could prevent further damage and loss of hair. Massaging the scalp for a few minutes every day will increase blood flow to the hair follicles and will prevent hair loss temporarily. In Ayurveda, “Aromatherapy” is recommended for reducing hair loss. Six drops each of bay and lavender essential oils can be added to four ounces of sesame oil or soybean or almond oil and massaged into the hair roots. It is recommended that one should wait for atleast 20 minutes before washing the hair.
2. Herbs like Sage and Rosemary have been proved to be effective in treating hair loss. Rosemary, peach leaf, sage, nettle and burdock should be boiled and strained and the liquid can be used for hair wash on a daily basis. For patients suffering from eczema, psoriasis, seborrhea and dandruff jajaoba oil is recommended. Jajoba oil being hypoallergenic, promotes hair growth and regulates dandruff problems.
3. Aloe Vera helps in healing the scalp, balances the PH level of the scalp and cleans the pores. A mixture of Aloe Vera gel with wheat germ oil and coconut milk promotes hair growth and reduces dandruff.
4. Amla or the Indian gooseberry is an excellent tonic for premature graying of hair and preventing hair loss. Cut a few Amla fruits into pieces, dry it in shade and boil in coconut oil until the solid matter is well cooked and appears dark in color. This oil when massaged into the scalp every day, is the best medicine for premature graying of hair. Even the water in which a few dried pieces of Amla are soaked over night can be used for rinsing hair. This is very nourishing and helps prevent premature graying. Also massaging Amla juice, mixed with almond oil and few drops of lime juice every night is found to be beneficial in treating premature graying of hair.
5. Adding curry leaves to one’s regular diet has proven to be beneficial in treating premature graying of hair, as the curry leaves add strength and vitality to hair. Curry leaves can also be boiled in coconut oil and applied regularly for healthy hair.
6. Finally, Henna, the traditional herb found in India is a good hair conditioner and is the best way to healthier hair. Apart from conditioning the hair, it protects against breakage of hair and gives back that natural shine to the hair.

Information about Low Blood Pressure Treatment

Information about Low Blood Pressure Treatment

If you have low blood pressure (hypotension), but you do not have any symptoms, you do not require treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms, your GP will try to establish the underlying cause of your hypotension in order to determine what treatment is necessary.

Medication

If you are taking medication, and your GP suspects that it may be causing low blood pressure, they will probably recommend a change of medication, or alter your dose. This includes medication to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), and medication to treat Parkinson’s disease.

Your blood pressure will be monitored while you are taking medication, and any changes will be noted by your GP, or practice nurse. If you are experiencing side effects from taking medication, you should discuss this with your GP.

Underlying illnesses or conditions

If your GP suspects that a disorder, such as a heart condition, adrenal gland failure, or a nerve condition, is causing your low blood pressure, you may be referred to hospital for further tests and treatment.

If adrenal gland failure is found to be causing your low blood pressure, your GP may prescribe fludrocortisone to replace the missing hormone, aldosterone. This will usually be in tablet form and will need to be taken for life.If a nerve condition is causing your low blood pressure, it can be more difficult to treat. You may be prescribed medication in order to help stimulate your nervous system.

Fluids and salt

Dehydration – when the water and salt content of your body is reduced – can cause low blood pressure. This can be easily treated by increasing your fluid and salt intake. Ensuring that you drink enough fluid (at least eight glasses a day) will help with hypotension. This is because more fluids will increase the volume of your blood, and having more blood in your arteries will increase your blood pressure.

While people who have high blood pressure are usually advised to restrict their salt intake, if you have low blood pressure, you may be advised to include more salt in your diet. Your GP will be able to advise you about how much additional salt you need, and whether you can add salt to your usual food, or if you need to take salt tablets.

General advice

The following general advice will help to limit your symptoms of your hypotension, particularly postural, or orthostatic, hypotension.

* Stand up gradually, particularly first thing in the morning. It may also be useful to try some other physical movements first to increase your heart rate and the flow of blood around your body. For example, stretching in bed before you get up, or crossing and uncrossing your legs if you are seated and about to stand.

* Wear support stockings, sometimes called compression stockings. These are tight fitting elastic socks or tights. They provide extra pressure to your feet, legs, and abdomen, which will help stimulate your circulation and increase your blood pressure.

* Raise the head of your bed, or use extra pillows under your head. This will increase the flow of blood in your body and will also make it easier when you need to get up.

* Avoid caffeine at night, and limit your alcohol intake – this will help you to avoid dehydration, which can cause low blood pressure.

* Eat small frequent meals, rather than large ones – this will help you to prevent postprandial hypotension (low blood pressure after you have eaten). Lying down after eating, or sitting still for a while, may also help.

Very few people are prescribed medication for hypotension. The symptoms of hypotension can be usually be treated by making these small changes to your lifestyle and, in particular, by increasing your fluid and salt intake.

If medication is necessary, it will usually be medicines to expand the volume of your blood, or to constrict (narrow) your arteries. By increasing your blood, or decreasing your arteries, your blood pressure will increase, as there will be more blood flowing through a smaller space.