Brain Tumour
A brain tumour is formed by cells in the brain which multiply in an irregular, uncontrollable way. Brain tumours are not always cancerous. Physiotherapy is a useful intervention to treat the on-going physical problems you may experience as a result of a brain tumour. Physiotherapy at Liverpool Neuro Physio can be used to address muscle weakness, joint stiffness, and difficulties in walking and poor co-ordination.
- What is a brain tumour?
- Types of brain tumour
- Effects of a brain tumour
- Physiotherapy treatment for a brain tumour
- Benefits of physiotherapy treatment for a brain tumour
What is a brain tumour?
A brain tumour is a growth of tissue in the brain that has developed when brain cells multiply abnormally. A brain tumour is considered to be benign if it remains in the area of the brain in which it started and does not spread to other parts of the brain. A brain tumour is malignant if it spreads into other areas of the brain and causes damage.
A brain tumour can be either primary or secondary. Primary brain tumours start in the brain and have not spread there from somewhere else in the body. A secondary brain tumour is a cancerous tumour that has developed from cancer cells that have spread from a different part of the body.
Physiotherapy is a useful intervention to treat the on-going physical problems you may experience as a result of a brain tumour. Physiotherapy at Liverpool Neuro Physio can be used to address muscle weakness, joint stiffness, and difficulties in walking and poor co-ordination.
Types of brain tumour
Brain tumours are classified depending on how they behave, such as the speed at which they grow or whether they are likely to spread. The grading system for brain tumours is from 1 to 4.
Grade 1-2 (low-grade brain tumours)
Grade 1-2 brain tumours grow slowly and do not spread to other areas of the brain. Usually low grade tumours are non-cancerous (benign). Often surgery can be performed to remove benign tumours, after which they do not usually come back and cause no additional problems. Sometimes certain grade 2 tumours can grow back.
Grade 3-4 (high-grade brain tumours)
Grade 3-4 brain tumours usually grow fast and spread to other areas of the brain and sometimes the spinal cord. High grade tumours are usually cancerous (malignant). Often these brain tumours are secondary, as they occur because cancer cells from the body have spread to the brain. The aim of treatment for secondary tumours is to relieve symptoms and prolong life.
When a grade 3-4 tumour starts in the brain (primary tumour) it must be treated straight away to avoid it spreading and causing further damage.
Effects of a brain tumour
The symptoms of a brain tumour fall into two categories depending on the type of damage they cause. The first category of symptoms arises from a brain tumour that causes damage to particular nerves or a specific area of the brain. The symptoms will be dependent on the location of the tumour, but may include:
- Low muscle tone resulting in weakness
- Difficulty coordinating movements, which can affect your ability to write, draw and walk
- Changes to your sense of smell, vision, touch, taste or hearing
- Changes in your mood, behaviour or mental abilities
The second category of symptoms arises from a brain tumour that causes increased pressure on the brain. Such symptoms are common with many types of tumour and may include headaches, feeling sick and vomiting, tiredness and changes in mood that cause you to become irritable. In serious cases these types of tumour can result in a coma.
Physiotherapy treatment for a brain tumour
While in hospital individuals with brain tumours often have contact with physiotherapists following surgery. In order to maximise your recovery, physiotherapy treatment should be continued immediately once you leave hospital until your full potential has been reached. Liverpool Neuro Physio can provide neurological rehabilitation to ensure this happens.
At Liverpool Neuro Physio your physiotherapist will aim to provide you with an effective plan of treatment to help you to regain and maintain your mobility in order to promote as much functional independence as possible. Physiotherapy treatment for the effects of a brain tumour often includes:
- A thorough assessment of your needs, during which you will discuss with your physiotherapist your short and long term goals for rehabilitation. These goals become the central focus of your programme of physiotherapy treatment. The exercise programme recommended by your physiotherapist will be appropriate for your current stage of recovery.
- Range of movement exercises. Once you have regained some active movement in your affected limbs your physiotherapist will teach you functional exercises to increase the strength of your muscles which will help to increase the muscle control of your affected limb.
- Individualised exercise programme to increase your strength and stamina, and combat fatigue.
- Advice and provision of appropriate mobility aids to help assist you to mobilise independently.
- Address problems with pain using a number of treatments including specific exercises, postural re-education, massage, soft tissue mobilisation and the use of heat and cold packs and relaxation exercises.
Benefits of physiotherapy treatment for a brain tumour
Depending on the severity of your brain tumour, the area of the brain it affects and the extent of damage caused to the surrounding brain tissue, physiotherapy can successfully manage the problems encountered following a brain tumour. Benefits of treatment include:
- Improved coordination in static balance and walking
- Reduced muscle spasms, pain and stiffness
- Increased/ maintained muscle strength
- Retrained normal patterns of movement
- Increased independence and quality of life
Living with the effects of a brain tumour can have a significant impact on your life and make it difficult to carry out even the simplest of tasks. Therefore at Liverpool Neuro Physio we aim to improve your functional abilities where possible, offering you and your family expert advice and guidance along the way in order to help maximise your functional independence.
To arrange an appointment or to speak to one of our specialists, call us on 0151 558 0188 or email office@liverpoolneurophysio.co.uk.