Brain Disorders
Comprehensive explanations of brain tumors, aneurysms, hemorrhages
Overview
Brain disorders encompass a wide spectrum. Early diagnosis is critical.
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Meningioma (Brain Membrane Tumor)
Meningioma is a tumor originating from the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meninges - brain membranes). It is the most common brain tumor in adults and the vast majority are benign; most cases are of a slow-growing type that does not invade brain tissue. It is approximately twice as common in women as in men and often appears in advanced ages, but can occur at any age. The tumor is usually located on the brain surface, at the midline, or at the base of the skull. It is graded as benign, intermediate, and malignant; the majority of cases are in the benign group, intermediate is less common, and the malignant type is quite rare. The course of meningioma varies greatly from patient to patient. Some tumors do not grow at all for years, some grow very slowly, and some grow more rapidly. For this reason, treatment decisions are individualized based on the size, location, growth rate of the tumor, and whether it causes symptoms. Small, asymptomatic tumors can often be followed with regular imaging without surgery. Treatment is considered when the tumor grows, causes symptoms, or begins to compress the brain. Most meningiomas arise spontaneously; a small portion is associated with hereditary disease. Prior radiation therapy to the head region is also a known risk factor. How completely the tumor is removed during surgery is an important factor determining the likelihood of recurrence in the future.
Glioblastoma (GBM)
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and most aggressive malignant brain tumor in adults. Classified as a Grade 4 glioma according to the World Health Organization (WHO), it originates from glial cells (especially astrocytes) in the brain. Due to its rapid growth characteristics, it causes serious neurological symptoms in a short time. Characterized by vascular proliferation and necrosis. Tumor cells tend to infiltrate surrounding brain tissue. Average age of occurrence is between 55-65 years. Standard treatment protocol includes surgical resection followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy (Stupp protocol). Despite optimal treatment, median survival is around 12-15 months.
Brain Tumor
Brain tumors are masses formed by uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal cells in brain tissue. They can be benign or malignant. Successful outcomes can be achieved with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Brain Aneurysm
A brain aneurysm is a balloon-like bulge in brain blood vessels caused by weakness in the vessel wall. It carries a risk of bleeding.
Brain Hemorrhage
Brain hemorrhage is bleeding inside the skull due to various reasons. It can be life-threatening and may require emergency intervention.
Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus is the accumulation of fluid in brain ventricles due to imbalance in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production and absorption.
Meningioma
Meningioma is a tumor originating from meninges (brain membranes). It is usually benign and grows slowly.
Glioma
Gliomas are tumors that develop from glial cells in the brain. They can be low-grade or high-grade.
Ischemic Stroke
Ischemic stroke occurs when a brain blood vessel is blocked by a clot or atherosclerotic plaque, causing brain tissue damage due to lack of blood supply. It accounts for approximately 85% of all strokes. 'Time is brain' - millions of neurons are lost every minute. Treatment within the first 4.5 hours increases success rates.
ATRT (Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor)
ATRT is a rare and rapidly progressive brain tumor that occurs most commonly in infants and children under three years of age. It is associated with alterations in specific genes (SMARCB1 or SMARCA4) and may not respond easily to standard treatments. It can be located in both the lower part of the brain (cerebellum, brainstem) and upper regions; it has a tendency to spread through cerebrospinal fluid early on. Although its treatment is challenging, long-term results can be achieved in some children with intensive protocols combining surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy at appropriate ages. This disease should be managed by experienced pediatric neuro-oncology centers by a multidisciplinary team.
ACTH Adenoma (Cushing Syndrome)
Cushing disease results from a benign tumor of the pituitary gland at the base of the brain that secretes excessive ACTH hormone, which continuously stimulates the adrenal glands. This stimulation causes overproduction of cortisol, a stress hormone in the body. Persistently elevated cortisol gradually produces distinctive changes: facial rounding, weight gain in the torso, purple stretch marks on skin, easy bruising, elevated blood pressure and blood sugar. Because symptoms develop gradually, recognition may be delayed. The tumor is usually small. Early diagnosis is important because untreated disease can have serious effects on the heart, blood vessels, and immune system.
Brain Abscess
A brain abscess is a collection of pus (suppuration) within brain tissue caused by microorganisms and eventually surrounded by a capsule. Infection most commonly spreads from adjacent inflammatory foci (sinusitis, otitis media, dental infection), is hematogenously seeded from a distant source, or develops following head trauma or surgery. The risk is higher in immunocompromised individuals. This expanding mass causes symptoms such as headache, fever, weakness in the limbs, and seizures through both inflammatory and mass effect mechanisms. Diagnosis is made by contrast-enhanced brain MRI. Treatment consists of prolonged antibiotic therapy combined, in most cases, with surgical drainage of the pus.
Anatomy
The human brain consists of cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem.