Current trends in the management of brainstem tumors in childhood.

Abstract

Historically, the prognosis for a child diagnosed with a brainstem tumor has been bleak. The development of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has allowed for detailed visualization of tumors within the brainstem. This knowledge combined with the clinical history and neurological examination allows subcategorization of such tumors and delineation of children who might benefit from surgery. Surgical candidates include children with long clinical histories, focal neurological deficits and focal, cystic, exophytic or cervico-medullary tumors on the MRI scan. All children have the potential for multiple cranial nerve abnormalities, extremity weakness and swallowing and breathing difficulties. Nursing care of patients with brainstem tumors is complex and challenging.

• Authors: T Shiminski-Maher, R Abbott, J H Wisoff, F J Epstein
• Journal: The Journal of neuroscience nursing : journal of the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses (J Neurosci Nurs) Vol. 23 Issue 6 Pg. 356-62 (Dec 1991) ISSN: 0888-0395 [Print] United States
• PMID: 1839543 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Topics

• Astrocytoma (nursing, radiotherapy, surgery)
• Brain Neoplasms (nursing, radiotherapy, surgery)
• Brain Stem (pathology)
• Child
• Combined Modality Therapy
• Glioma (nursing, radiotherapy, surgery)
• Humans
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Patient Care Team
• Postoperative Complications (nursing)