Since radiation is a local treatment, side effects are usually confined to the area being treated. When it comes to radiation in the brain and head area, early symptoms may appear shortly after treatment has begun and will continue for several weeks after radiation treatment has ended. In some cases, more serious side effects will become apparent one or two years post-radiation; so it is important to know what to watch for and seek medical attention when necessary.
Early Side Effects
Side effects of radiation therapy usually appear within two weeks of initial treatment, according to the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). A sore throat accompanied by diminished taste sensations and a dry mouth are the most common first side effects. Many patients also begin losing a lot of weight, which can lead to other problems down the road related to your treatment. As a result, a medical team will work to restore then maintain weight. These symptoms usually resolve themselves within two months of completing radiation treatment.
Second-Phase Effects
Fatigue that begins in the second or third week is another chief complaint associated with head radiation. The RSNA writes on its website that this exhaustion usually subsides over the next two to six weeks after radiation treatment ends, albeit at a slow pace. The Radiation Medical Group reports that fatigue is much more intense in patients that lose weight and recommends supplementing your diet with high calorie foods and nutritional supplement drinks (or shakes) to help maintain weight.
Serious Post-Radiation Side Effects
Delayed effects of whole-brain radiation can be serious and are a result of brain tissue destruction, according to the American Cancer Society. They often do not appear until one to two years post-treatment, and include memory loss and speech difficulties.
