Discharge Instructions for Brain Tumor
A brain tumor is an abnormal growth in the brain.
Treatment will depend on the type and location of the tumor.
Steps to Take
Self Care
You may be asked to watch for new or worsening symptoms. Some common ones are headaches, seizures, or problems seeing or walking. Share this information with your doctor.
Medication
Medicine may be given manage seizures and ease pain and swelling.
When taking medicine:
- Take your medicine as advised. Do not change the amount or schedule.
- Be aware of the side effects of your medicine. Tell your doctor if you have any.
- Talk to your doctor before you stop taking any prescription medicine.
- Do not share your prescription medicine.
- Medicines can be harmful when mixed. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking more than one, including over the counter products and supplements.
- Plan for refills.
Other Steps That May Help
Consider joining a support group or ask your care team for support options. This may help you cope with feelings of depression and anxiety. Relaxation therapy, such as meditation and yoga, may also be helpful.
Follow-up
You will see a doctor who specializes in brain diseases for testing. You may need further treatment based on test results. Be sure to go to all appointments.
Problems to Look Out For
Call the doctor if you are not getting better or you have:
- Headaches
- Seizures
- Lasting nausea or vomiting
- Weakness or loss of feeling in the arms or legs
- Problems with:
- Walking
- Seeing
- Speaking
- Memory
- Sleepiness
- Personality changes
- Signs of infection, such as fever or chills
- Light-headedness
If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.
RESOURCES:
American Brain Tumor Association
https://www.abta.org
American Cancer Society
https://www.cancer.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Cancer Society
https://www.cancer.ca
Cancer Care Ontario
https://www.cancercareontario.ca
REFERENCES:
Astrocytoma and oligodendroglioma in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/astrocytoma-and-oligodendroglioma-in-adults. Accessed March 26, 2021.
Brain tumors in adults. EBSCO Nursing Reference Center website. Available at: https://www.ebscohost.com/nursing/products/nursing-reference-center. Accessed March 26, 2021.
Glioblastoma. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/glioblastoma. Accessed March 26, 2021.
Meningioma. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/meningioma. Accessed March 26, 2021.
Treating specific types of adult brain and spinal cord tumors. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/brain-spinal-cord-tumors-adults/treating/treating-specific-types.html. Accessed March 26, 2021.
Last reviewed March 2021 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Rimas Lukas, MD Last Updated: 7/13/2021