Complications from radiation treatments to the brain hinge on several factors including the total radiation delivery dose, dose per treatment, total body area irradiated and time between treatments. Some effects may occur immediately, or within minutes, while other complications may take weeks, months or even years to manifest. In people ages 20 to 39, brain tumors rank third as the leading cause of cancer death, according to 2008 information from the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Radiation Necrosis
When radiation to the brain kills off healthy brain cells, as well as the tumor, radiation necrosis can result, and can cause seizures, severe headaches, vision problems and even death, as reported by the website, RadiologyInfo. Although improved technology for targeting the tumor has reduced the number of radiation necrosis cases, patients should report any seizure activity, as well as vision problems and headaches to their doctors. Radiation necrosis can also result in brain swelling, or edema, and nausea and vomiting may occur.
Skin Irritation
One of the more common complications of radiation treatment to the brain, skin irritation, often resembles burns near the ears or on the scalp. Healthcare professionals can help the patient ease the symptoms and appearance of the skin irritation, and caution the patient regarding over-the-counter or home remedies to treat the skin, as these may worsen the condition.
Quality of Life
Most patients complain of overwhelming fatigue during brain tumor radiation treatments. Increased and scheduled periods of rest, as well as asking family members and friends for support, can combat the fatigue until a few weeks after treatment ends, when energy usually returns. Patients also can notice memory problems and speech problems, which, due to healthy brain tissue compromise, can be permanent conditions, reports the International RadioSurgery Association.
Hair Loss
Four to six weeks after starting radiation treatments, patients may begin to notice some hair loss. The loss may be temporary and regrowth noticed approximately six months after treatment has ceased, or the loss may be permanent, according to the BC Cancer Agency. Whether it's temporary or permanent depends on the type of radiation received and the length of the treatment program.
Tumor Regrowth
With particularly aggressive tumors, tumor regrowth may occur after initial radiation treatment, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. New tumors root themselves at, or near, the same spot as the previous tumor and radiation treatment can be used on new tumors. In the case of suspected regrowth, a PET scan can determine whether the problem is another tumor, or simply scar tissue formation.
