12 - Medical Complications in the Management of Brain Tumors

Abstract

Publisher Summary Patients with brain tumors present with neurological symptoms in a variety of different ways, usually either to their primary physician or to an emergency department. This chapter discusses the symptomatic management, prophylactic perioperative care, complications indirectly related to the tumor and its effects, complications from medical treatment, and neurological and psychiatric postoperative complications of brain tumors. The important diagnostic and management roles that have historically been the remit of neurologists or psychiatrists and those involving the neurosurgeon's skills are also presented in the chapter. Neuro-oncology specialist nurses are in an ideal position to bridge the gap between primary care physician, neurologist, and neurosurgeon as well as to act as an initial point of contact for the patient or primary care physician following diagnosis. Thus, increasingly, it is perceived that a multidisciplinary team approach to care is superior to the single clinician approach. The chapter highlights areas in the management of brain tumors, where this multidisciplinary paradigm will improve care.