Professional Documents
Culture Documents
What is achondroplasia?
Achondroplasia is a bone disorder affecting about one in every 10,000 infants. It is caused by a
mutation in the FGFR3 gene that impairs the growth of bone in the limbs and causes abnormal
growth in the spine and skull.
Approximately 20-50% of all children with achondroplasia will experience a neurological
impairment. This is caused by compression created as they literally grow faster than their bones.
The stunted bone growth at the base of the skull and the spine can cause the spinal cord and brain
stem to become compressed. This can lead to key nervous system structures like the brain
stem, spinal cord, spinal nerve roots and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) spaces to also compress.
Eventually, this may lead to neurological deficits like:
Cervico-medullary Myelopathy: Compression at the foramen magnum the bony hole at the
base of the skull through which the brainstem and spinal cord exit the skull can cause a childs
brainstem to kink. This can cause a child to have:
numbness
weakness
difficulty walking
sleep apnea periods during sleep when the child stops breathing.
Brainstem compression can ultimately lead to death if it is left untreated, so parents and
physicians of achondroplastic children should watch for the symptoms outlined above.
Hydrocephalus: When the narrowing near the base of the spine prevents cerebrospinal fluid
(CSF) from flowing freely around the brainstem or in and out of the skull, the CSF collects in
ventricles (spaces in the childs brain). The resulting condition is hydrocephalus. In babies, the
most evident symptom of hydrocephalus is a quickly enlarging head circumference. Additional
symptoms include:
headaches
irritability
lethargy
vomiting
Because an enlarged head is normal in achondroplastic children, pediatricians can use a special
head circumference growth chart to distinguish between normal achondroplastic growth and
possible hydrocephalus.
Spinal Cord Myelopathy: Sometimes, the vertebrae of achondroplastic children do not grow
enough to allow sufficient space for nerves exiting and entering the spinal cord to pass in and out
of the bony spinal column. If only a single nerve root is compressed, a child may experience
pain, numbness or weakness in a specific arm or leg. They may seem to prefer using one hand
over another very early as babies, or complain of pain in their back or affected arm. In more
severe cases, the entire spinal cord can be compressed, causing weakness and numbness in the
entire body below the spinal cord pinch as well as loss of bowel and bladder control.
Symptoms of achondroplasia
The following are the most common symptoms of achondroplasia. However, each child may
experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
shortened arms and legs, with the upper arms and thighs more shortened than the
forearms and lower legs
large head size with prominent forehead and a flattened nasal bridge
curved lower spine a condition also called lordosis (or "sway-back") which may lead to
kyphosis, or the development of a small hump near the shoulders that usually goes away
after the child begins walking.
small vertebral canals (back bones) may lead to spinal cord compression in
adolescence. Occasionally children with achondroplasia may die suddenly in infancy or
early childhood in their sleep due to compression of the upper end of the spinal cord,
which interferes with breathing.
extra space between the middle and ring fingers (Also called a trident hand.)
normal intelligence
The symptoms of achondroplasia may resemble other problems or medical conditions. Always
consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.
hearing loss
dizziness
The symptoms of acoustic neurinoma may resemble other conditions or medical problems.
Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
. Acromegaly
What is acromegaly?
Acromegaly is the Greek word for "extremities" and "enlargement." When the pituitary gland
produces excess growth hormone, this results in excessive growth called acromegaly. The
excessive growth occurs first in the hands and feet, as soft tissue begins to swell. This rare
disease affects mostly middle-aged adults. Untreated, the disease can lead to severe illness and
death.
protruding jaw
voice deepening
joint pain
degenerative arthritis
enlarged heart
strange sensations and weakness in arms and legs (carpal tunnel syndrome)
snoring
headaches
loss of vision
impotence in men
diabetes
The symptoms of acromegaly may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always
consult your physician for a diagnosis.
serial photos taken over the years (to observe physical changes in the patient)
Treatment of acromegaly depends on the cause of the disease. More than 95 percent of
acromegaly cases are caused by benign tumors on the pituitary gland. Because the tumor is
compressing the pituitary gland, the hormone production can be altered. Some other acromegaly
cases are caused by tumors of the pancreas, lungs, or adrenal glands.
The goal of treatment is to restore the pituitary gland to normal function, producing normal
levels of growth hormone.
Treatment may include removal of the tumor, radiation therapy, and injection of growth hormone
blocking drugs.
Left untreated, acromegaly can lead to worsening diabetes mellitus and hypertension. The
disease also increases a patient's risk for cardiovascular disease and colon polyps that may lead
to cancer.
Acute Encephalitis
Acute encephalitis is an inflammatory condition of the central nervous system. It is a complex
and severe disease. Acute encephalitis can be caused by a wide variety of conditions, including:
Symptoms of acute encephalitis can vary, depending on which part of the brain that is most
affected. A few symptoms that may be common in patients with acute encephalitis include (but
are not limited to):
Fever
Headache
Confusion
Disorientation
Irritability
Anxiety
Seizures
Pituitary Adenomas
Pituitary adenomas are common benign tumors of the pituitary gland. It is said that up to 10%
of people will have a pituitary adenoma (which might never have caused a problem) by the time
of their death. Some tumors secrete one or more hormones in excess. Such so-called secretory
pituitary adenomas are usually found due to hormonal imbalances that affect bodily functions.
They may be relatively small when detected.
People can develop pituitary adenomas at any age. Most pituitary adenomas are in the front part
(anterior lobe) of the pituitary gland.
The prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas are the most common, and account for
approximately 30% of all pituitary tumors. The clinical findings are galactorrhea and
reproductive dysfunction.
Microadenoma: <10mm
A pituitary adenoma that is smaller than 10 mm in diameter (about three-fourths of an inch
across) is called a microadenoma.
Macroadenoma: >10mm
A pituitary adenoma equal to or larger than 10 mm is called a macroadenoma.
Pre-operative images of patient with non-functional pituitary macroadenoma
Symptoms of an adenoma:
The most common symptoms include:
Headaches
Erectile dysfunction
Weight change
Diagnosis of an adenoma:
Blood and urine tests to measure hormone levels and medical imaging provide the best means of
diagnosing pituitary tumors. Diagnostic imaging may include a high-resolution, T1 weighted,
gadolinium enhanced MRI. In addition, blood and urine tests to obtain endocrine diagnostics
may be performed to establish basal levels of PRL, GH, IGF-1, free thyroxine, cortisol, and
testosterone (in males) levels.
Treatment of an adenoma:
Specific treatment for adenomas is coordinated by a neurosurgeon and endocrinologist
(hormonal disorder specialist) on the Pituitary Tumor team. Treatment may include surgery,
including surgical removal via a procedure called endonasal transphenoidal endoscopic surgery,
medical therapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and/or observation.
ALS Statistics
Most people who develop ALS are between the ages of 40 and 70, although the disease
can occur at a younger age.
It affects as many as 30,000 in the United States, with 5,000 new cases diagnosed each
year.
Estimates suggest that ALS is responsible for as many as five of every 100,000 deaths in
people aged 20 or older.
The incidence of ALS is five times higher than Huntington's disease and about equal to
multiple sclerosis.
Many ALS patients can live longer and more productive lives because of current research into
the cause, prevention and cure for the disease. Improvements in medical management, including
nutrition and breathing, regularly increase patient survival. Fifty percent of affected patients live
at least three or more years after diagnosis; 20 percent live five years or more; and up to 10
percent will survive more than ten years.
Causes of ALS
ALS is a somewhat diverse and decidedly mystifying disease. In more than nine out of every 10
cases diagnosed, no clear identifying cause of the disease is apparent, that is, patients lack an
obvious genetic history, complete with affected family members. Also, nothing about the way
patients live their lives gives scientists and clinicians clues as to what causes ALS. Nothing in
patients diet, where theyve lived, how theyve lived or what theyve done with their lives can
easily explain why theyve developed this late onset, fully developed and progressive disease.
However, in about 5 percent of cases, a clear genetic history exists. The disease is classed as
autosomal dominant in these patients; that is, that almost half of all family members show a clear
history of ALS. Studies in the early 1990s on the genetic form of the disease, including work by
one of our scientific advisors, Dr. Robert Brown, revealed that a single gene defect could account
for a portion of these familial cases.
Mutations in the gene for the enzymes superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) or copper zinc superoxide
dismutase have been found in approximately 15-20 percent of the familial cases of ALS. Some
quick math shows, then, that approximately 1 to 2 percent of all cases of ALS involve this
particular gene mutation.
Still, for the majority of ALS cases, we do not know what causes the disease. Researchers
havent been idle, however, and several attractive theories exist on what could cause or
contribute to the death of motor neurons in ALS. Center scientists are focusing on these
pathogenic theories.
twitching and cramping of muscles, especially those in the hands and feet
dropping things
shortness of breath
difficulty breathing
difficulty swallowing
paralysis
The symptoms of ALS may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Consult a physician
for diagnosis.
laboratory tests - including blood and urine studies and thyroid functioning tests
cerebral spinal fluid analysis (spinal tap) - a procedure used to make an evaluation or
diagnosis by examining the fluid withdrawn from the spinal column.
X-rays
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - a way to image soft tissues that's noninvasive and
that doesn't involve X-rays. MRI produces a sharp, two-dimensional view of the brain
and spinal cord.
Electrodes are inserted into the muscle, or placed on the skin overlying a muscle or
muscle group, and electrical activity and muscle response are recorded.
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, accounting for as much as 70%
of all cases of dementia. The earliest symptom in most patients is progressive difficulty learning
and retaining new information. With progression of the disease, symptoms of poor judgment,
disorientation, word finding problems and difficulties with spatial relationships develop.
Eventually AD affects almost all aspects of brain functioning, including personality, and the
ability to perform the most basic activities of daily functioning.
Patients with progressive memory loss should be evaluated to rule out possible treatable causes
of memory loss, such as thyroid disease or vitamin deficiencies. Brain imaging and detailed
examination of cognitive functions through a neuropsychological examination may be required
to establish a diagnosis of AD. If a diagnosis of AD is confirmed, there are now several
medications available that have been shown to ameliorate the symptoms of the disease.
Age is one of the most important risk factors for AD; the number of patients with AD doubles
every 5 years beyond age 65. The underlying cause of the symptoms is the gradual loss of nerve
cells in the brain, as a result of the accumulation of abnormal structures called amyloid plaques
and neurofibrillary tangles.
Amnesia
What is amnesia?
Amnesia is a general term for a syndrome that involves substantial difficulty learning and
retaining new information. Some forms of amnesia, such as transient global amnesia, are
transient and completely reversible.
Other treatable causes of memory loss include: medication side effects, drug and alcohol use,
metabolic conditions, such as thyroid disease or vitamin deficiencies. Some forms of amnesia
occur because of isolated damage to the brain, such as in Korsakoffs syndrome.
Although memory loss is often the earliest sign of a progressive dementing disorder, it is
important to remember that memory loss need not be a harbinger of dementia. Therefore, it is
recommended that a patient with memory change should be carefully evaluated to rule out
treatable causes of the memory loss. It should not be assumed that memory loss is just a part of
normal aging.
Amyloid Neuropathy
Disorders of peripheral nerves are the most common neurological complications of systemic
amyloidosis; an illness where a protein called amyloid is deposited in tissues and organs.
Amyloidosis can affect peripheral sensory, motor or autonomic nerves and deposition of amyloid
lead to degeneration and dysfunction in these nerves.
Symptoms
The typical symptoms of amyloid neuropathy are due to sensory and autonomic dysfunction.
Patients may experience painful paresthesias (unusual sensations), numbness and balance
difficulties due to sensory dysfunction and persistent nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation,
incontinence, sweating abnormalities or sexual dysfunction due to autonomic nerve involvement.
Diagnosis
histopathological evaluation. In cases of familial amyloidosis, genetic testing in the blood may
be useful.
Treatment
Astrocytomas in Children
What is an astrocytoma?
Astrocytomas are the most common type of glioma. This type of glioma develops from glial cells
called astrocytes, most often in the cerebrum (the large, outer part of the brain), but also in the
cerebellum (the lower, back part of the brain).
About half of childhood brain tumors are astrocytomas. They are most common in children
between the ages of 5 and 8.
They can be slow-growing (low grade, Grade I or II) or fast-growing (high grade, Grade III or
IV). Most astrocytomas in children (80%) are low grade. Sometimes they spread to the spine.
Juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma (Grade I): This slow-growing tumor is the most
common brain tumor found in children. Juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma is usually cystic
(fluid-filled) and develops in the cerebellum. Surgical removal is often the only treatment
necessary.
Fibrillary astrocytoma (Grade II): This brain tumor infiltrates into the surrounding
normal brain tissue, making surgical removal more difficult. A fibrillary astrocytoma may
cause seizures.
sensation.
Glioblastoma multiforme (Grade IV): This is the most malignant type of astrocytoma.
It grows rapidly, increasing pressure in the brain.
Arachnoid Cysts
What is an arachnoid cyst?
Arachnoid cysts are the most common type of brain cyst. They are congenital lesions that occur
as a result of the splitting of the arachnoid membrane. The cysts are fluid-filled sacs, not tumors,
appearing in one of the three layers of tissue covering the central nervous system.
headache
nausea/vomiting
lethargy
seizures
developmental delay
head bobbing
visual impairment
Arachnoid cysts that do not cause symptoms or impact surrounding areas do not require
treatment, no matter where they are located or how large they are. Otherwise, surgery is
recommended.
Chiari Malformation
What is chiari malformation?
Chiari malformation, also known as an Arnold-Chiari malformation, is a congenital (present at
birth) defect occurring in the back of the head where the brain and spinal cord connect.
There are four types of Chiari malformations:
Type 1 Occurring when the base of the skull and upper spinal area do not form
properly, a type 1 Chiari malformation commonly goes unnoticed until problems arise in
the adolescent or adult years of life. The headaches most typical of Chiari I
malformations are usually located at the back of the head, and are often made worse by
exertion.
Type 2 The most common of all Chiari malformations, type 2 is caused by part of the
back of the brain shifting downward through the bottom of the skull.
o Type 2 Chiari malformations are typically seen in infants who are born with spina
bifida, a neurological condition that causes a portion of the spinal cord and the
surrounding structures to develop outside, instead of inside, the body.
Type 3 Type 3 Chiari malformations occur when the back of the brain protrudes out of
an opening in the back of the skull area.
Type 4 Type 4 Chiari malformations occur when the back of the brain fails to develop
normally.
infection
mater or arachnoid. The most serious problem associated with DAVFs is that they transfer highpressure arterial blood into the veins or venous sinuses that drain blood from the brain or spinal
cord. This results in an increase in the pressure of the venous system around the brain or spinal
cord.
Microsurgical resection reserved for DAVFs that cannot be closed with endovascular
embolization. During microsurgical resection, we perform a craniotomy and using the
microscope isolate the DAVF from the tissues around the brain or spinal cord.
The cerebrovascular team at Johns Hopkins evaluates each DAVF patient to decide the best
treatment for the patient's specific DAVF. In special cases, we will opt to use both techniques in
combination.
Stereotactic radiotherapy a more recent technique for the treatment of AVMs. It is also
known as "stereotactic radiosurgery." During this treatment, we deliver a concentrated
dose of radiotherapy to the core of the AVM in one session. Over the course of 2 to 5
years, the vessels of the AVM clot off and the AVM shuts down.
Endovascular embolization also a more recent technique for the treatment of AVMs.
During this treatment, we pass a catheter through the groin up into the arteries in the
brain that lead to the AVM and inject a material into these arteries. This injection shuts
off that artery and reduces the flow of blood through the AVM. Endovascular
embolization by itself typically does not eliminate the AVM and is therefore almost
always used as a preliminary step in preparation for either microsurgical resection or
stereotactic radiotherapy.
The cerebrovascular team at Johns Hopkins evaluates each AVM patient to decide the best
singular procedure or combination of treatments for the patient's specific AVM.
Astrocytomas are glial cell tumors developed from connective tissue cells called astrocytes.
They are most often found in the cerebrum (the large, outer part of the brain), but also in the
cerebellum (the back of the brain). Almost 50% of primary brain tumors are astrocytomas, the
most common type of glioma.
Astrocytomas can develop in people of any age. It is one of the most common brain tumors in
adults and children.
High-grade astrocytomas and glioblastoma multiforme:
High-grade astrocytomas, called glioblastoma multiforme, are the most malignant of all brain
tumors. Cerebellar astrocytomas are gliomas commonly found in children in the cerebellum. In
adults, astrocytomas are more common in the cerebrum.
Brain Tumor - Carlos Luceno's Story
Diagnosed with a grade two astrocytoma brain tumor, Carlos Luceno is currently living with
brain cancer. Carlos is receiving his treatment and care from Johns Hopkins neurosurgeon Dr.
Henry Brem at the Johns Hopkins Comprehensive Brain Tumor Center.
Brain Tumor - Marisa Eickenhorst's Story
Diagnosed with an astrocytoma brain tumor, Marisa was anxious and scared. Her anxiety
gradually faded once she met the man who successfully removed her tumor, Johns Hopkins
neurosurgeon Dr. Alessandro Olivi.
Astrocytomas in Children
What is an astrocytoma?
Astrocytomas are the most common type of glioma. This type of glioma develops from glial cells
called astrocytes, most often in the cerebrum (the large, outer part of the brain), but also in the
cerebellum (the lower, back part of the brain).
About half of childhood brain tumors are astrocytomas. They are most common in children
between the ages of 5 and 8.
They can be slow-growing (low grade, Grade I or II) or fast-growing (high grade, Grade III or
IV). Most astrocytomas in children (80%) are low grade. Sometimes they spread to the spine.
Juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma (Grade I): This slow-growing tumor is the most
common brain tumor found in children. Juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma is usually cystic
(fluid-filled) and develops in the cerebellum. Surgical removal is often the only treatment
necessary.
Fibrillary astrocytoma (Grade II): This brain tumor infiltrates into the surrounding
normal brain tissue, making surgical removal more difficult. A fibrillary astrocytoma may
cause seizures.
Glioblastoma multiforme (Grade IV): This is the most malignant type of astrocytoma.
It grows rapidly, increasing pressure in the brain.
What is Ataxia?
Ataxia is typically defined as the presence of abnormal, uncoordinated movements. This usage
describes signs & symptoms without reference to specific diseases. An unsteady, staggering gait
is described as an ataxic gait because walking is uncoordinated and appears to be not ordered.
Many motor activities may be described as ataxic if they appear to others, or are perceived by
patients, as uncoordinated.
Ataxia can also refer to a group of neurological disorders in which motor behavior appears
uncoordinated. Walking, speaking clearly, swallowing, writing, reading, and other activities that
require fine motor control may be abnormal in patients with ataxia. Ataxia may result from
abnormalities in different parts of the nervous system or different parts of the body, such as
ataxic movements due to orthopedic injuries or pain from arthritis or muscle injury.
What causes ataxia?
Ataxia may result from abnormalities in different parts of the nervous system, including the
central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and peripheral nervous system (roots and nerves
that connect the central nervous system to muscles, skin, and the outside world). When patients
experience abnormal walking or uncoordinated use of their hands or arms, dysfunction of the
cerebellum is often responsible. The cerebellum is a rounded structure attached to the brainstem
with a central portion (vermis) and two lateral lobes (cerebellar hemispheres). It sits beneath the
back of the cerebral hemispheres (occipital cortices). The outer surface of the cerebellum is a
continuous layer of nerve cells called the cerebellar cortex. The cortex is a three-layered sheet of
neurons that are extensively interconnected and have a highly regular geometric organization.
The cerebellar cortex receives information from most parts of the body and from many other
regions of the brain. The cerebellum integrates this information and sends signals back to the rest
of the brain that enable accurate and well coordinated movements.
Although unsteady gait may result from problems in different parts of the nervous system or of
the body, abnormal walking due to cerebellar dysfunction has distinct features that are usually
recognizable. Persons with an ataxic gait due to cerebellar dysfunction keep their legs further
apart than normal, referred to clinically as a broadened base. They often stagger and resemble
persons who have ingested excessive alcohol. The resemblance of ataxia to inebriation is not a
coincidence as alcohol is known to affect the main nerve cells in the cerebellum. Although brief
alcohol-induced staggering is usually reversible, repeated exposure to high doses of alcohol may
cause degeneration of neurons in the cerebellum and result in persistent ataxia. Purkinje neurons
are unusually susceptible to different forms of injury, including other toxins, prolonged seizures,
and lack of oxygen. Cerebellar ataxia differs from gait problems due to abnormalities in other
parts of the nervous system, such as the abnormal gait seen in Parkinsons disease, normal
pressure hydrocephalus, or different forms of spasticity in the legs. Cerebellar ataxia is also
distinguishable from abnormal walking due to pain and/or muscle or orthopedic abnormalities in
the hips, legs, or feet.
Atypical Facial Pain is a pain disorder of the face which shares some features with trigeminal
neuralgia. The pain may be different most often longer in duration (minutes, hours, or
continuous), and of a dull, aching, burning, sharp, squeezing, or crushing quality. Sometimes the
pain may be precipitated by sinus surgery, dental work, or facial trauma. Atypical facial pain may
also be caused by an injury to a small branch of one of the three divisions of the trigeminal
nerve.
How is Atypical Facial Pain treated?
Each case is unique and is handled individually. Some patients with atypical facial pain respond
well to medication, and others respond well to local nerve blocks. Generally, the surgical and
radiation treatments that work well for trigeminal neuralgia do not work as well for atypical
facial pain.
Carbamazepine
Levetiracetam
Oxcarbazepine
Blunt trauma
Neuropathies
A brachial plexus injury occurring during birth is called birth related brachial plexus palsy or
obstetric brachial plexus palsy.
Avulsion this means the nerve has been pulled out from the spinal cord and has no
chance to recover.
Rupture this means the nerve has been stretched and at least partially torn, but not at
the spinal cord.
Neurapraxia this means the nerve has been gently stretched or compressed but is still
attached (not torn) and has excellent prognosis for rapid recovery
Axonotemesis this means the axons (equivalents of the copper filaments in an electric
cable) have been severed. The prognosis is moderate.
Neurotemesis this means the entire nerve has been divided. The prognosis is very poor.
Neuroma this refers to a type of tumor that grows from a tangle of divided axons
(nerve endings), which fail to regenerate. The prognosis will depend on what percentage
of axons do regenerate.
Erb's Palsy refers to an injury of the upper brachial plexus nerves leading to loss of motion
around the shoulder and ability to flex the elbow. Klumpke's palsy refers to an injury of the
lower brachial plexus leading to loss of motion in the wrist and hand.
More of an unpleasant quirk of our existence than a serious disease, many people experience
these sudden, excruciating and brief headaches after ingesting something cold. Technically
known as cold-stimulus headaches, an ice cream headache is set-off when an unusually cold
substance passes over the palate and back of the throat. Typical triggers include blended icy
drinks, popsicles, and ice cream, particularly when consumed rapidly on a warm day.
No one is quite sure what causes the actual pain, but it is thought that a combination of direct
stimulation of temperature-sensitive nerves plus the colds effects on blood vessels running along
the roof of the mouth. The pain, through a quirk of our anatomy, is not felt so much in the mouth
as it is referred to other areas of the face - behind the eyes and nose, the forehead, etc. One
study has suggested that migraine sufferers may be more susceptible to these headaches.
Ependymoma is a type of glioma that develops from ependymal cells. Ependymomas usually
develop in the lining of the ventricles or in the spinal cord. The most common place they are
found in children is near the cerebellum. The tumor often blocks the flow of the cerebral spinal
fluid (CSF), causing increased intracranial pressure.
Ependymomas are rare, accounting for just 2-3% of primary brain tumors. However, they
account for about 8-10% of brain tumors in children. They most often occur in children younger
than 10 years of age.
Mixed Gliomas
What is a mixed glioma?
A mixed glioma is a malignant glioma made up of more than one type of glial cell. This type of
glioma may also be called an oligo-astrocytoma. Mixed gliomas are often found in the
cerebrum, but may metastasize to other parts of the brain.
Only about 1% of primary brain tumors are mixed gliomas. They are most common in adult men.
headache
seizures
mood disturbances
changes in vision
nausea or vomiting
The first symptoms likely to present for a mixed glioma may be caused by pressure on the brain,
which may be due to a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak.
Oligodendroglioma is a type of glioma that develops from oliogodendrocytes, which are the
supportive tissue cells of the brain, and are usually found in the cerebrum.
About 4% of primary brain tumors are oliogodendrogliomas. They are most common in young
and middle-aged adults. Seizures are a very common symptom of these gliomas, as well as
headache, weakness, or changes in behavior or sleepiness.
Oligodendrogliomas have a better prognosis than most other gliomas, but they can become more
malignant with time.
Optic Nerve Gliomas
What is an optic nerve glioma?
Optic nerve gliomas are a type of malignant glioma (brain tumor) found in the optic chiasm.
Optic nerve gliomas often surround the optic nerves, which send messages from the eyes to the
brain. They are frequently found in persons who have neurofibromatosis.
A person with an optic nerve glioma usually experiences loss of vision, as well as hormone
problems, since these tumors are usually located at the base of the brain where hormonal control
is located. They are typically difficult to treat due to the surrounding sensitive brain structures.
Learn more about symptoms for gliomas.
Treatment for optic nerve gliomas:
Treatment for an optic nerve glioma may include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or
observation. Learn more about treatment for optic nerve gliomas.
seizures
headaches
respiratory changes
hearing loss
personality changes
Jon Weingart, MD, discusses the main types of brain tumors. Dr Weingart is a neurosurgeon and
professor of Neurological Surgery and Oncology at Johns Hopkins Medicine.