Around 400-500 children in the UK develop brain tumours each year and they are the most common solid tumours that occur in children. Children of any age may be affected but boys are affected slightly more often than girls. Sadly brain tumours are the leading disease related cause of death in children. However the prognosis of survival is improving all the time with advances in medicine, and currently one out of three patients survive for five years following the diagnosis. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of brain tumours and to raise your concerns with your GP if you are concerned.
Signs and Symptoms of Brain tumours:
- Headaches – particularly if your child wakes up with a headache.
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Torticollis – sudden onset of a head turn preference
- Change to walking ability
- Balance problems
- Weakness in arms or legs
- Visual changes disturbances e.g. squint, visual loss, blurring
- Difficulty with coordination
- Weight loss and decreased appetite
- Change in behavior – irritability, very sleepy, withdrawn
The Road To Recovery
If your child has been diagnosed with a brain tumour, the key to recovery is rehabilitation. Because there are so many different types of brain tumours, treatment won’t be the same for everyone but our experienced physiotherapists will help your child to identify their impairments and provide evidence-based assessments and treatments to help maximise your child’s abilities.
How Physio can help your child:
- Strength exercises – regaining strength is essential for recovery.
- Restoring joint range of movement – a stretching programme will help prevent muscles from becoming tight.
- Balance and Coordination – working on sitting and standing balance in preparation for walking.
- Gait re-education – providing treatment and exercises that will help your child to learn to walk with an improved gait pattern again.
- Endurance – building up endurance to help reduce fatigue and regain fitness
- Independence and function – working on specific activities that your child is finding difficult in every day life.
- Equipment – some children may require specialist equipment. Our physiotherapists can recommend appropriate aids to help with walking and promote independence.
Our team of highly specialist physiotherapists can assess your child, make recommendations and provide an individualised exercise programme to help reach optimum function. It is our aim to make rehabilitation a positive experience and support your family every step of the way.
Our specialist physiotherapists can see your child in your home and we can set up an initial appointment within 24 hours. Contact us today on 0207 884 0374 or email info@physiocomestoyou.com.