Side Effects of Brain Radiation Treatment on Cancerous Tumors

Radiation therapy is a common treatment for cancerous brain tumors. This powerful treatment can cause a number of side effects that can manifest at various times.

Acute Side Effects

• Radiation to the brain causes temporary brain swelling (edema), which can result in immediate symptoms like speech and vision problems and headaches. Your doctor can give you steroids or other treatments that address these problems.

Sub-Acute Side Effects

• Some side effects do not manifest until several weeks or months after you have finished your course of treatment. Common delayed effects include trouble sleeping, fatigue and decreased appetite. Certain changes in the brain trigger these problems and according to the Brain Tumor Association of America, typically clear in six weeks but can take several months. Be sure to tell your doctor if you experience any of these effects; he can offer medications and other advice.

Delayed Effects

• Certain side effects can manifest months to even years after you finish treatment due to changes in and death of brain tissue. Psychological symptoms like memory problems and confusion might manifest and get worse over time. Your doctor can run tests to determine damage. You might require medication or even surgery depending on the severity.

Other Effects

• Radiation can trigger new brain tumors. Hormonal changes can lead to issues with your thyroid, fertility, sugar metabolism and trouble processing water.

Radiation and Children

• Children are particularly susceptible to radiation side effects since their brains are still developing. To counteract this, oncologists typically delay radiation as long as possible; at least until age 3.