I have a friend who has a brain tumor and has a lot of seizures combined with cancer that is spreading through her body.
Asked March 13, 2011
Dear, Dr. Wascher I have a friend who has a brain tumor and has a lot of seizures combined with cancer that is spreading through her body. When she has seizures it causes her sometimes to lose sensation and feeling in her limbs. It has caused her to have temporary blindness, deafness and is mute. With all of this she reverts to a childlike state. I wanted to know if you have heard of any other cases like her situation. Originally she is 24 years old and when she reverts she turns in to a four year old, literally the way she acts, talks and thinks. None of the doctors she has been to know what is going on with her. Is there anything that you can help me out with by things you know or other doctors know about?
Expert answer
First of all, I am sorry to learn of your young friend's brain tumor and these troubling symptoms.
Since I do not have access to her medical records or brain imaging studies, I really cannot provide a specific answer to your question. However, brain tumors may affect the function of the brain in and around the area where they are located. The types of symptoms that result from such tumors depend greatly upon where they are located in the brain. Also seizure activity caused by brain tumors can result in some of the very unusual (and temporary) symptoms that you describe.
Hopefully, the Neurologist who is helping to take care of her already knows what is causing these troubling symptoms. If not, then perhaps a second opinion with a Neurologist or Neurosurgeon who specializes in brain tumors might be helpful to your friend.
Answered March 24, 2011
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