Brain tumours Flashcards
What is the presentation of a primary brain tumour?
Headache
Seizures
Altered mental status
Cerebellar signs
Nausea and vomiting
Visual disturbance
Focal neurology
What are the differentials of a primary brain tumour?
Brain metastases
Stroke
MS
What are the headache red flags for raised ICP?
Constant headache
Nocturnal
Worse on waking
Worse on coughing, straining or bending forwards
Vomiting
Papilloedema
What is a glioma?
Tumours of the glial cells of the brain
What are glial cells?
Glial cells surround and support the neurons
What are the types of glial cells?
Astrocytes
Oligodendrocytes
Ependymal cells
What is a meningioma?
Tumours growing from the cells of the meninges
What is the first line investigation for diagnosis of a brain tumour?
CT head - rules out acute intracranial events
MRI head
What is the gold standard investigation for diagnosis of a brain tumour?
Biopsy
What is the appearance of a meningioma on MRI?
A homogenous, well circumscribed lesion outside of the brain parenchyma
What is the appearance of a glioblastoma on MRI?
Large tumour with a necrotic core
Surrounded by oedema
Irregular enhancement
What medication is commonly used to manage cerebral oedema in patients with brain tumours?
Dexamethasone
