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Why Are Seizures a Sign of Gliomas?

Gliomas are a form of cancer that can begin in the spine or the brain. Gliomas are a cancerous growth of a type of cell called a glial cell. Glial cells are not neurons but are instead a type of support cell for neurons, providing cushioning and nutrients, as well as aiding in the removal of toxins. Unlike neurons, glial cells are capable of dividing, which makes them a candidate to form cancer.

  1. Effects of Gliomas

    • Gliomas can cause a number of symptoms, depending on their location. Gliomas in the brain can cause headaches, nausea, and vomiting. They can also cause dysfunction of the cranial nerves (which control the facial muscles) and, on occasion, seizures.

    Gliomas and Seizures

    • The ability of gliomas to cause seizures depends in part on their location. For a glioma to cause a seizure, in general it will have to be located in or near one of the cranial sinuses. Because the sinuses are in charge of circulation of the cerebrospinal fluid, a glioma there can cause a buildup of pressure in the brain, which can lead to neurological symptoms, such as seizures.

    Intracranial Pressure

    • The pressure of the cerebrospinal (intracranial pressure) can have a dramatic effect on brain function. When the intracranial pressure gets too high, it can cause the nerve cells to become inappropriately stimulated. This can cause them to fire electrical impulses, which can lead to a seizure.

    Other Mechanisms

    • Gliomas can also lead to seizures because of their ability to conduct electricity. Gliomas are able to efficiently conduct electrical impulses, which can occasionally cause abnormal connections between brain cells. This can lead to disorganized electrical activity in the brain, which can also lead to seizures.

    Treatments for Glioma-Related Seizures

    • When a glioma causes seizures, there are a few different kinds of treatments, depending on the location of the glioma. The most effective is surgically removing the glioma, if it is accessible. Other options include chemotherapy and radiation treatment, which can shrink the glioma and stop the seizures. Finally, if other treatments have proven to be ineffective, small holes may be drilled in the skull to help relieve the pressure.

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