Brain Tumor
Asked March 13, 2011
Dear, Dr. Jaggernauth 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
Hi, sorry to hear about your friend. Unfortunately sometimes when cancer affects certain parts of the brain these symptoms can present themselves. If she is having seizures as well then this can be part of the transient state of recovery from such seizures. You may want to ask your doctor for a referral to a neuro-oncologist who is a special type of oncologist specializing in tumors of the brain.
She may also benefit from seeing a neurologist for management of her seizures and reverted state. Take care - let us know how it goes.
Dr. Jag.
Answered March 15, 2011
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