Brain Tumor: How to Care for Your Child

Your child stayed at the hospital so that the oncology care team (medical specialists who treat people with cancer) could do tests to find out more about your child's brain tumor. When the care team has the information they need, they will work with you and your child to find the best treatment plan. Follow these instructions to care for your child at home.

Follow your care team instructions about:

• whether it's OK for your child to go to school and do sports

• if your child should take any medicines

• what appointments you need to make for your child

• any other testing that needs to be done

Your child:

• has new or worsening headaches

• has nausea or throws up

• starts having seizures or starts having more seizures than before

• gets a fever

You know your child best. If you see signs that concern you, call a member of your care team.

Your child:

• has pupils that are different sizes (pupils are the black spots at the center of the eyes)

• has a severe headache and is throwing up

• has a seizure that last longer than 5 minutes

• has trouble breathing or is breathing quickly

• falls asleep and is hard to wake up

How does a brain tumor cause symptoms? A tumor can press on the parts of the brain that help the body work. Kids who have a brain tumor might have headaches, feel very tired, lose their appetite, or feel nauseated. Some kids might have blurry vision, trouble focusing, or balance problems.

How are brain tumors treated? Treatments for a brain tumor can include:

• surgery to remove part or all of the tumor

• radiation therapy, a high-energy light that shrinks tumors

• chemotherapy, special medicines that shrink tumors

Kids with brain tumors also may get medicine to help with pain or nausea. They may have physical therapy or speech therapy to help with problems like muscle weakness or trouble speaking.