A brain tumor or intracranial neoplasm occurs when abnormal cells form within the brain. There are two main types of tumors: malignant or cancerous tumors and benign tumors (not cancerous). Cancerous tumors can be divided into primary tumors that start within the brain, and secondary tumors that have spread from somewhere else like lung cancer, breast cancer, kidney cancer, skin cancer, etc. known as brain metastasis tumors. All types of brain tumors may produce symptoms that vary depending on the part of the brain involvd.
RISK FACTORS
eof brain tumour include, family history of brain tumor, age (increases with age), race (more likely to occur in caucasians), chemical exposure, exposure to ionizing radiation.
TYPES
Gliomas are tumors that develop from glial cells (Supporting cells of Central Nervous System). The types of tumors that begin in glial cells are:
astrocytic tumors such as astrocytomas, which originate in the cerebrum and are often benign
oligodendroglial tumors, which are often found in the frontal temporal lobes
glioblastomas, which originate from the supportive brain tissue and are the most aggressive type
meningiomas, which originate in the meninges
schwannomas, which originate in cells that produce the protective cover of your nerves (myelin sheath) called Schwann cells
Other primary brain tumors include:
pituitary tumors, which are usually benign
pineal gland tumors, which can be benign or malignant
ependymomas, which are usually benign
craniopharyngiomas, which occur mostly in children and are benign but can have clinical symptoms like changes in vision and premature puberty
primary brain lymphomas, which are malignant
primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphomas, which are malignant
primary germ cell tumors of the brain, which can be benign or malignant
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of brain tumors depend on the location and size of the tumor. Tumors cause direct damage by invading brain tissue and causing brain pressure to increase. Symptoms become more evident when there is significant pressure from the tumor upon the surrounding brain tissue.
Headaches are a common symptom of a brain tumor. Headaches are:
worse in the morning when waking up
occur during sleeping
worse by coughing, sneezing, or exercise
Vomiting
Blurred vision or double vision
Confusion
Seizures (especially in adults)
weakness of a limb or part of the face
Change in mental functioning
Other common symptoms include:
clumsiness
memory loss
confusion
difficulty writing or reading
changes in the ability to hear, taste, or smell
decreased alertness, which may include drowsiness and loss of consciousness
difficulty swallowing
dizziness or vertigo
eye problems, such as drooping eyelids and unequal pupils
uncontrollable movements
hand tremors
loss of balance
loss of bladder or bowel control
numbness or tingling on one side of the body
trouble speaking or understanding what others are saying
changes in mood, personality, emotions, and behavior
difficulty walking
muscle weakness in the face, arm, or leg
The following symptoms can occur with Pituitary tumors:
nipple discharge, or galactorrhea
lack of menstruation in women
development of breast tissue in men, or gynaecomastia
enlargement of the hands and feet
sensitivity to heat or cold
increased amounts of body hair, or hirsutism
low blood pressure
obesity
Symptoms can raise the suspicion of a brain tumor but it can only be confirmed like investigations like MRI or CT of brain as advised by the physician.
HOMOEOPATHIC APPROACH
The aim of homeopathy is not only to treat brain tumor but to encounter its underlying cause and treating the individual as hole. Regression in the size of the tumour is brought about without any harmful effects to other systems or organs. It is not aimed at relieving the local symptoms like pain but at enhancing the natural power of healing of the body through administration of similar medicines. The whole set of symptoms of the patient are collected evaluated and analyzed along with the pathology before reaching the similimum. In Homoeopathy it is the symptoms of the individual having tumour but not only of the tumour will determine the medicine.