Childhood Cancer

Childhood Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors

Increased intracranial pressure

A general term for symptoms that result from the mass of the tumor occupying space within the brain is “increased intracranial pressure.” As the mass grows it compresses the brain, causing pressure. Pressure also increases if the tumor obstructs the normal fluid pathways, causing hydrocephalus. Symptoms of increased intracranial pressure include:

  • Double vision or other visual changes
  • Pressure on the optic discs (called papilledema), seen by a physician when looking into eyes with an ophthalmoscope
  • Headaches (which awaken the child from sleep)
  • Vomiting (typically in the morning, which often temporarily relieves the nausea and headache)
  • Unsteady gait
  • Sleepiness or lethargy
  • Memory problems

In July, Jennifer had her second appointment with a doctor in 1 weeks’ time because her headaches were so severe. The primary physician sent Jennifer to the hospital for a CT scan. I figured it would be in a couple of weeks due to the holiday weekend. He said within 2 hours. The nurse was drawing Jennifer’s blood, when another nurse came in and said that the hospital wants Jennifer down there as soon as possible. They were holding the radiologist there, waiting on Jennifer. We left the primary physician’s office around 11 a.m., and at noon, I was informed that Jennifer had an abnormality found on the brain. We were told to go to lunch and then report to the MRI department around 1 p.m. We reported to the MRI department and were told that Jennifer would be admitted to the hospital as soon as the MRI was done. I asked, “Would someone like to tell me what is going on?” I saw a telephone and called Jennifer’s primary physician. This was the first time that I did not have to speak to a nurse; he got right on the phone. He said, “I am so sorry, I was waiting on the results of the MRI and was going to talk to you and Jennifer. The CT scan revealed a huge mass on the left side of the brain.”