Glioblastoma multiforme

Glioblastoma multiforme, (GBM) also known as grade 4 astrocytoma is the most common and aggressive type of primary brain tumor, accounting for 52 percent of all primary brain tumors cases.

Symptoms

Although common symptoms of the disease can include seizure, headache, and hemiparesis, the single most prevalent symptom is a progressive memory, personality, or neurological deficit. The kind of symptoms produced highly depends on the location of the tumor, more so than on it's pathological properties. The tumor can start producing symptoms quickly, but occasionally is asymptomatic until it reaches an enormous size. Unlike oligodendrogliomas, glioblastoma multiformes can form in either the gray matter or white matter of the brain. The symptoms can be relieved, on a primary approach, by the administration of chorticotherapy. These drugs act by rearranging the blood-brain barrier and thus reducing brain oedema. Appart from this, not many different drugs have any kind of importance on this situation. Anti-convulsants, analgesics and stomach protection drugs are usually prescribed.

Related Topics:
Seizure - Headache - Hemiparesis - Oligodendroglioma

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