What are the specific side effects of brain cancer radiotherapy?

When it comes to the treatment of brain cancer, many patients will choose a variety of different methods for treatment. Radiotherapy is a common method for treating brain cancer, but there are usually various effects after radiotherapy. So, what are the specific sequelae of radiotherapy for brain cancer?

There are various symptoms after radiotherapy for brain cancer. The following are some of the symptoms that may occur after radiotherapy for brain cancer, mainly:
1. In addition to the aggravation of the original symptoms, there may also be nausea and vomiting, which is caused by transient cerebral edema caused by radiation. This situation can be treated with steroids and will be relieved in about 4-6 weeks. However, if steroids cannot improve it and it worsens, it is necessary to consider whether there is a change in the intracranial tumor. In addition, if the ear is located in the radiation field, acute serous otitis media may occur around the 3rd to 4th week. If the whole brain and spinal cord are irradiated, it will affect the hematopoietic function and the patient will also be prone to fatigue.
2. It occurs 6-12 weeks after the end of radiotherapy. Radiation causes changes in the permeability of brain microvessels and affects oligodendrocytes, resulting in a transient demyelinating reaction. Steroids can alleviate this side effect, but it is still difficult to distinguish it from tumor recurrence.
3. It usually occurs about 3 months after the end of radiotherapy. In the early stage, it is manifested as an electric shock sensation when lowering the head and radiating to the distal limbs, also known as Lhermitt's sign. In the late stage, it is mainly a transverse injury of the cervical spinal cord, manifested as limb weakness to complete paralysis, pain, and decreased touch. Dry stool or incontinence