In rare cases, large intracranial Ependymoma can cause sudden death. Despite their rare incidence, Ependymomas are the most common neuroepithelial spinal cord tumors.
As Ependymomas are generally slow growing tumors, any symptoms and signs usually build up slowly over several months. There are several symptoms of Ependymomas which become apparent at a much later stage. One of the key symptoms occurs as a result of raised intracranial pressure which further causes headaches, sickness, and nausea and sight changes. The definite ependymomas symptoms are hasty, jerky eye movements (nystagmus), nerve swelling at the back of the eye (papilloedema), neck pain and irritability. Seizures and behavioral and personality changes are some of the general signs visible in people with this brain tumor. Ependymomas may develop in different parts of the brain, therefore symptoms and signs may be associated with the area of the brain that is affected by the tumor. If the Ependymoma affects the spinal cord the symptoms may include back pain, neck pain, and occasional weakness or numbness in the limbs as well as loss of bladder control.
There are a number of tests conducted for the correct diagnosis and treatment of Ependymomas. The tests carried out by doctors in patients suspected of Ependymoma include Neurological examination, Computerized Tomography scan (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan (MRI), Lumbar puncture and Biopsy. The treatment for Ependymoma is done of the basis of a number of factors. The general health of the patient, the size and location of the brain tumor and if it has spread to other parts of the spinal cord or brain, are factors that are taken into consideration for treating a person with Ependymoma. Furthermore, test results also help the doctor to decide on a proper treatment plan.
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