About this topic
Your brain and spine are surrounded by a clear, watery fluid called cerebrospinal fluid or CSF. The CSF is made by special cells called ependymal cells which line parts of your brain and spinal cord. Tumors that grow from this tissue are known as ependymomas. These tumors are most often found in the fluid-filled ventricles in your brain. They may also happen around the brainstem or spinal cord. These tumors can cause problems by pressing on the brain or spinal cord as they grow larger. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- If you had surgery, follow your doctors instructions for wound care.
- If you are having chemo or radiation, your doctor may give you drugs to help stop you from feeling sick or other side effects.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. You may need more blood work, tests, or treatment.
- If you need to have surgery, your doctor may send you to a brain surgery specialist. This is a neurosurgeon.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Prevent infection
- Prevent or treat seizures
- Kill cancer cells
Will physical activity be limited?
If your tumor is causing you some problems, you may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Personality changes
- Seizures
- Headaches
- Memory loss and problems focusing
- Problems with hearing or talking
- Poor coordination or balance
- Weakness
- Dizziness
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
There is no way to prevent this problem. ‚
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Very bad headache
- New onset of seizures
- Weakness, numbness, tingling
- Blurred eyesight or sudden changes in vision
- Very bad dizziness or passing out
- Confusion
- Trouble speaking
- Very upset stomach or throwing up more than 3 times in the next 48 hours
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell what kind of treatment I will be having.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have seizures, feel confused, or have very bad headaches.
Where can I learn more?
American Brain Tumor Association ‚
http://www.abta.org/secure/ependymoma-brochure.pdf ‚
American Brain Tumor Association ‚
http://www.abta.org/brain-tumor-information/types-of-tumors/ependymoma.html ‚
National Cancer Institute ‚
http://www.cancer.gov/types/brain/patient/child-ependymoma-treatment-pdq ‚
Last Reviewed Date
2016-01-19 ‚
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Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved. ‚