March marks the beginning of spring — a season of hope, renewal and healing. But many may not know that it’s also Brain Health Awareness Month. The brain controls everything. From basic functions like breathing and heart-beating to complex tasks like thinking and managing behaviour. It is, therefore, essential to raise awareness about conditions affecting brain health so that we can take preventive or curative actions when needed.
Brain and central nervous system tumours are among the most common types of cancer diagnosed in children. Sadly, most families—including mine—are unaware of even the basic symptoms of a brain tumour until a diagnosis is made. Frequent headaches, nausea and vomiting (especially in the mornings), loss of appetite, vision changes, balance issues and seizures are all warning signs that require immediate medical attention. Since the causes of these tumours are largely unknown, there are no clear preventive measures. Most cases result from changes in the DNA of brain cells. Treatment usually involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, depending on the child’s age and the tumour’s location and grade. While these treatments are essential for survival, they can leave lasting effects on a child’s physical and cognitive development.
Surgical removal of the tumour is usually the first step of the treatment—and often the most terrifying one for parents. It happens so soon after diagnosis that there’s barely any time to process what’s unfolding around you and your little one. But pediatric neurosurgeons, who are highly trained and experienced, guide families through this difficult process. The goal is to remove all or as much of the tumour as possible to give the child the best chance at fighting cancer. Children are typically admitted to the ICU after surgery for advanced care and monitoring. Most wake up within a few hours, but recovery takes time—both in the hospital and at home. Immediate side effects may include brain swelling (managed with steroids), weakness and confusion. Long-term side effects can vary depending on the tumour’s location, potentially impacting motor skills, speech and other functions.
Following my son’s first surgery, he lost the ability to walk—he began crawling again. His left hand grew weak and he needed an NG tube for feeding. It was heartbreaking to see these regressions, but we were deeply grateful that he was safe. With a few days of physiotherapy and rest, he gradually relearned how to walk and regained strength in both hands. However, the NG tube remained a part of his care for a longer period.
Chemotherapy or radiotherapy follows surgery to target any remaining tumour cells. Chemo can come with harsh side effects, such as hearing loss (especially with platinum-based agents), hair loss, nausea, vomiting and frequent fevers due to low white blood cell counts. Radiation may also be required in some cases. While effective at killing cancer cells, it can also damage the surrounding healthy tissue. Because a child’s brain is still developing, radiation can slow cognitive growth over time and may increase the risk of secondary cancers later in life.
Nutrition plays a crucial role during treatment; protein supplements and multivitamins are often recommended to support recovery. Regular play time is also essential to instill a sense of normalcy for children. Speech-, physio-, and occupational- therapy can help children regain strength and skills after treatment.
Above all, children need love, care and understanding as they navigate the healing process. And caregivers—hold onto hope, for it can carry you through the toughest journeys.
Neha Bhatnagar
References:
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/childrens-cancer/brain-tumours
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pediatric-brain-tumour/symptoms-causes/syc-20361694