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Focal deficits, such as hemiparesis, hemianopia, or seizures, develop in many patients with primary or metastatic brain tumors. The clinical signs depend on the location of the tumor and reflect impaired regional cerebral function. Frequently, however, the initial symptoms result only from mass effect, local pressure, and distortion of adjacent structures. These symptoms consist of headache, irritability, emotional lability, forgetfulness, drowsiness, and lethargy. Most brain tumors disrupt the bloodbrain barrier, allowing leakage of electrolytes, water, and protein into neuronal tissue.
For initial diagnostic screening in patients with known cancers elsewhere in the body or in patients with atypical headache, CT
Craniocerebral Trauma
Multiple Sclerosis and Other White-Matter Diseases
Infectious Diseases
Meningitis and Encephalitis
Cerebral and Cerebellar Abscesses
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Dementia
Movement Disorders
Headache
Source Information
From the Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Address reprint requests to Dr. Gilman at the Department of Neurology, University of Michigan Medical Center, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr., TC 1914, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0316.
References
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