Connecticut Children’s Neuro-Oncology Program treats children and young adults with malignant, non-malignant and spinal cord tumors. Our patients receive comprehensive and coordinated care from our Neuro-Oncology team including other pediatric subspecialties such as Physical Therapy, Ophthalmology, Endocrinology, Nutrition, and Neurosurgery.
Knowing the Signs and Symptoms of a Brain Tumor
A brain tumor can cause symptoms by directly pressing on the surrounding parts of the brain that control certain body functions, or by causing a buildup of spinal fluid and pressure throughout the brain (a condition known as hydrocephalus).
Signs or symptoms vary depending on a child’s age and the location of the tumor, but may include:
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Weakness of the face, trunk, arms or legs
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty standing or walking
- Poor coordination
- Headache
- In babies and young toddlers, a rapidly enlarging head
Brain tumors in children are often very different from those in adults in cell type, presentation, and responsiveness to treatment. Because a child’s brain is still developing, it is important for a child or adolescent to receive diagnosis and treatment from a physician team specializing in pediatric brain tumors.
Types of Brain Tumors We Treat
With a family-centered approach, the team treats a variety of brain and spinal tumors, including:
- Medulloblastoma (primitive neuroectodermal tumor)
- Astrocytoma
- Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM)
- Ependymoma
- Choroid plexus papilloma and carcinoma
- Atypical teratoid-rhabdoid tumor (ATRT)
- Craniopharyngioma
- Ganglioglioma
- Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNET)
- Germ cell tumors