Unique Symptom Profile of Children with Brain Tumors
Children with BT describe headache pain to be mild and intermittent, due to increased intracranial pressure. Headaches typically respond to a combination of dexamethasone and non-opioid analgesia. In severe cases, patients may require high doses of dexamethasone and opioid. Neuropathic neck and back pain related to leptomeningeal irritation may require gabapentin, methadone, or ketamine administration.
In the last stage of disease, BT patients may present with severe symptoms as a result of the growing tumor and treatment side effects. This may lead to cognitive decline, impaired level of consciousness, visual and auditory impairment, poor functional status, progressive bulbar weakness, loss of motor function/gait impairment, poor communication, and high need for support for activities of daily living.