Brain tumours

Brain tumours

Brain tumours, called pathological neoplasms, form in different parts of the brain. These formations are overgrown tissues that differ in morphological features and histological types. Also, neoplasms of the brain are divided into benign and malignant. The latter is dangerous, but even with benign tumours, there are significant risks of damage and complications.

Brain tumours are an extensive group of pathological processes, which include:

• astrocytomas;
• ependymomas;
• meningiomas;
• hemangioblastomas;
• neuromas;
• adenomas;
• gangliocytomas, etc.

Each tumour process is dangerous since, with the growth of the neoplasm, compression of the structures of the brain occurs, and there is an increase in intracranial pressure. The characteristics of the clinical case and the resulting disorders depend on where the tumour is localised, what size it is, what brain structures it presses on, and a host of other factors.

It is almost impossible to predict the vector of progression of the tumour process in advance. For this reason, a complete diagnosis is essential, which allows you to determine the optimal direction of treatment. But rehabilitation is no less important because even after successful and effective treatment, most patients need to cope with the consequences of the disease and return to normal life.

Reasons for the formation of a brain tumour

Many reasons and factors provoke the occurrence of brain tumours. Much depends on the characteristics of the tumour process. In some cases, cancer may be congenital, or its origin cannot be established at all. But the most common and likely predisposing factors include:

• metastasis (spread of cancer cells and primary tumour of any localization);
• exposure to radiation or toxic substances on the body;
• significant environmental pollution, living in places with lousy ecology;
• pathology of development of cerebral tissues at various stages of intrauterine development;
• some genetic diseases (tuberous sclerosis, neurofibromatosis, and others);
• the consequences of a traumatic brain injury, etc.

Treatment

Depending on the characteristics of the tumour process, the location of the tumour, its size, benign or malignant course, and other factors, the approach to treatment may differ radically. However, there are only two forms of therapy for neoplasms of this localisation:

• Conservative treatment – primarily conservative therapy is used in cases where the neoplasm does not threaten the patient’s life, does not cause severe disorders, and does not show a tendency to grow. In such cases, therapy aims to eliminate the existing symptoms and provide the patient with a high quality of life. Also, conservative treatment can be used in preoperative preparation and for the patient’s recovery after surgery. In the first case, a reduction in the neoplasm is predominantly meant to create optimal conditions for the operation. In the second case, this refers to maintenance therapy or, for example, measures to prevent the recurrence of the tumour process.
• Surgical interventions to remove brain tumours are the best treatment option, but it has many limitations. For the operation, the risks are weighed, and the operability of the neoplasm, possible complications, etc., are taken into account.

Rehabilitation after removal of a brain tumour

Rehabilitation measures after treatment of brain tumours (including after neoplasm removal) are individual for each patient. The key to developing rehabilitation programs at Kliniken Schmieder is the nature of the neurological impairment experienced by the patient.

Our specialists individually develop rehabilitation programs, considering the patient’s needs. The main goal is to restore lost functions and abilities and improve the quality of life. If the lost capabilities cannot be restored, rehabilitators focus on the patient’s adaptation to new living conditions.

Thus, rehabilitation after treatment of a brain tumour includes:

• Disorders of the motor sphere – a great variety of disorders caused by brain tumours affect precisely the motor sphere. In this case, rehabilitation measures aim to restore fine motor skills and other motor disorders. For this, methods of exercise therapy, physiotherapy, neurophysiology, bobat therapy, etc., are used.
• Recovery of cognitive functions – a serious problem for many patients is memory impairment, reduced ability to concentrate, and loss of other cognitive functions. For their renewal, programs are being developed that include special exercises aimed at improving memory, concentration, and restoration of mental potential in general.
• Social and psychological component – ​​faced with the consequences of the tumour process and the very fact of the need for rehabilitation, many patients experience difficulties coping with the situation, rejection of themselves, etc. To cope with psycho-emotional problems, the patient may need to work with a psychologist and psychotherapist.

After treating a brain tumour, many patients need to restore hearing, vision, speech, etc. Rehabilitation programs can encompass various areas, and their features always depend on the specific clinical case. Therefore, rehabilitation at Kliniken Schmieder is always adaptive and explicitly tailored to the individual patient’s needs.

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