Side Effects of Radiation Therapy to the Brain

Radiation therapy is a common treatment for several types of brain tumors and cancer, including metastases, meningiomas, pituitary adenomas and gliomas. As radiation therapy focuses radioactive energy upon your brain to kill tumor cells, it may also cause damage or unwanted effects.

Significance

• The severity of side effects caused by radiation therapy to the brain vary depending upon how large an area is affected by the cancer, what strength of radiation is needed to destroy tumor cells and the part of the brain where the cells are found, according to the International RadioSurgery Association.

Types of Common Side Effects

• Common side effects of radiation therapy to the brain are similar to those experienced by all patients who receive radiation, such as hair loss, skin redness, soreness and itching and fatigue. Side effects unique to brain radiation treatments include hearing problems, loss of appetite, dry mouth and difficulty swallowing.

Time Frame

• Some side effects, like irritation at the site of the radiation, develop within the first few hours following treatment, while others develop in the days or weeks that follow. It is possible to feel fatigue for months after your brain radiation ends, and hair loss is sometimes permanent.

Risks

• There is a potential for permanent memory or speech problems associated with radiation therapy to the brain, reports the International RadioSurgery Association. There is also a risk for a return of your brain tumors due to the unintended destruction of healthy cells during your brain radiation therapy, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Considerations

• Getting plenty of rest and eating a healthy, well balanced diet helps minimize some of the adverse effects of radiation therapy, according to the American Cancer Society. It is also important to protect your scalp from the sun throughout your brain radiation therapy and for one year after.