Rehabilitation
Children and young people in recovery from brain tumour and treatment will experience a range of symptoms and disabilities, including psychological problems, difficulties with mobility or self care, as well as emotional and learning difficulties. All of which can affect their quality of life.
It is important that a large team of experts (a ‘multidisciplinary team’) is involved in the care of children and young adults recovering from the effects of a brain tumour and its treatment. Ideally that team should be involved from the time of diagnosis helping to address needs as they arise. Members of the team essential at that stage are a neurologist, an endocrinologist and a psychologist, but there are other experts, listed below. A brain tumour and its treatment produce what is known as an ‘acquired brain injury’. This occurs at whatever age or whatever the treatment but especially in those treated most intensively and at a very young age. The good news is that a child’s brain is adaptable, and with the right approach, can recover well following injury.
When there are problems it can be very difficult to know whether the cause is another illness, the tumour, the surgery, another treatment or a tumour reoccurence.
It is important that every patient has a detailed and individualised treatment summary with details of the treatment of the brain tumour (any surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy). A rehabilitation treatment plan is equally important, reflecting different needs and difficulties and a plan to help address them. Otherwise, young survivors and their families don’t have a clear understanding of their needs or how they can be helped.
Most children after brain tumour treatment will need assistance in recovering. Therefore, in the multi disciplinary team above are rehabilitation specialists including physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech and language specialists. These are all important and can be of great benefit. These are some of the tasks that they are involved with:
Occupational therapists: assess your ability to carry out certain daily activities (for example, taking a shower, getting dressed etc).
Physiotherapists: focus on any weakness or paralysis caused by the brain tumour or its treatment and help improve balance and strength.
Speech therapists: help with swallowing problems and with any difficulties with speech.
In addition, educational and clinical psychologists can help with emotional, learning and behavioural difficulties.
It is also important to know if there are any hearing or sight problems. Your local optician can help.