Brain tumours

Question 1

what are the comments types of tumours that spread to the brain

Answer 1

renal cell carcinoma, lung carcinoma, breast carcinoma and GI tract

Question 2

what are gliomas

Answer 2

derived from astrocytes ( structural and nutritional support to nerve cells)

Question 3

how do gliomas spread

Answer 3

tracking through white mater to CSF pathway.

Question 4

characteristics of meningiomas

Answer 4

slow growing
extra-axial
usually benign
arise from arachnoid

Question 5

presentation of pituitary tumours

Answer 5

visual disturbance, compression of optic chiasm
hormone imbalance

Question 6

symptoms of raised intracranial pressure

Answer 6

headache, nausea, visual disturbance, cognitive impairment, altered consciousness

Question 7

signs of raised intracranial pressure

Answer 7

papilloedema, 6th nerve palsy, cognitive impairment, altered consciousness, 3rd nerve palsy

Question 8

how do you manage tumours

Answer 8

steroids
treat epilepsy
antiemetics
counselling
surgery
radiotherapy

Question 9

reasons not to do a lumbar puncture

Answer 9

meningitis, herniation syndrome, cause air embolism, might make headache worse