Ovarian Cancer & Neurological Symptoms: Understanding Paraneoplastic Syndrome

When cancer of the ovaries occurs, it can lead to neurological symptoms that have no relation to the ovaries whatsoever. This is referred to as a paraneoplastic syndrome and occurs when byproducts produced by the cancer enter the bloodstream and travel to other areas of the body, causing symptoms. Not all women will experience neurological symptoms, which can occur before or after the diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

Tingling

• Some women will experience tingling in their hands and feet, even after chemotherapy or other treatment for the cancer.

Ataxia

• Ataxia of the limbs has also been experienced by women suffering from ovarian cancer. Ataxia is a condition where muscular movement becomes compromised, but the compromised muscle movement is not due to loss of muscle tone or weakness.

Polyneuropathy

• Polyneuropathy occurs when the peripheral nerves stop functioning properly, leading to additional neurological symptoms such as weakness, reduced reflexes and loss of sensation.

Vertigo

• Another neurological symptom, vertigo, occurs when the affected individual feels as if the surrounding environment is spinning or moving.

Dysarthria

• Some woman may experience dysarthria, which is a condition where the muscles such as the tongue or lips, become weakened or paralyzed, creating difficulties with speech.