Our Summary
This research paper looks at how brain surgery for the removal of a brain tumor, known as a glioma, can impact patients’ cognitive abilities, or the way they think and process information. The researchers were particularly interested in identifying which thinking skills and brain areas were most likely to be affected by surgery. The study included patients with gliomas in either the left (33 patients) or right (21 patients) side of their brain.
Before and six months after their surgery, the patients underwent a series of seven mental tasks covering five cognitive areas. Based on this, the researchers found two main thinking skills that were affected in each group of patients. For patients with left-side gliomas, the first thinking skill affected was related to memory and flexible thinking, with the brain areas most affected being from the middle temporal gyrus to the supramarginal gyrus. The second thinking skill affected was related to verbal memory and fluency, with the affected brain areas being the medial temporal regions and from the middle temporal gyrus to the posterior parietal lobes.
For patients with right-side gliomas, the first thinking skill affected was related to the ability to correctly identify colors and words, with the affected brain area being the anterior medial frontal cortex. The second thinking skill affected was related to flexible thinking, word fluency, and memory, with the affected brain area being the right inferior frontal cortex.
Overall, the study suggests that certain thinking skills and brain areas may be more likely to be affected by the removal of a glioma. This information could help doctors better plan and manage patients’ recovery after brain surgery.
FAQs
- What is the impact of brain surgery for the removal of a glioma on patients’ cognitive abilities?
- What cognitive skills were found to be most affected by the removal of gliomas in the left and right sides of the brain?
- How can the findings of this study help doctors in planning and managing patients’ recovery after brain surgery?
Doctor’s Tip
One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about brain surgery is to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including any recommended physical therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, and medication schedules. It is important to give yourself time to heal and allow your brain to recover properly. Be patient with yourself and communicate any changes in your thinking or cognitive abilities to your healthcare team. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments and participate in any recommended follow-up testing to monitor your progress and address any concerns.
Suitable For
Patients who are typically recommended brain surgery include those with brain tumors, such as gliomas, that are causing symptoms or affecting brain function. Other conditions that may require brain surgery include aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, epilepsy, traumatic brain injuries, and certain neurological disorders.
In the case of brain tumors, surgery may be recommended if the tumor is located in a accessible area of the brain and can be safely removed without causing significant damage to surrounding brain tissue. The decision to recommend brain surgery is based on factors such as the type, size, and location of the tumor, as well as the patient’s overall health and medical history.
Patients who are experiencing symptoms such as seizures, headaches, changes in vision or speech, weakness or numbness, or cognitive changes may be candidates for brain surgery. Additionally, patients whose tumors are growing rapidly, causing increased pressure on the brain, or are at risk of spreading to other parts of the brain may also be recommended for surgery.
It is important for patients to discuss their treatment options with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers, including neurosurgeons, neurologists, oncologists, and other specialists, to determine the most appropriate course of action for their individual case. Brain surgery is a complex procedure that carries risks, so careful consideration and planning are essential to ensure the best possible outcome for patients.
Timeline
Before surgery: Patients undergo tests and scans to diagnose the brain tumor and determine the best course of treatment. They may experience symptoms such as headaches, seizures, or changes in cognitive function.
Day of surgery: Patients are admitted to the hospital and undergo pre-operative preparation. The surgery is performed to remove the brain tumor, with the goal of preserving as much healthy brain tissue as possible.
Immediately after surgery: Patients are monitored closely in the intensive care unit for any complications. They may experience side effects such as headaches, nausea, or changes in vision or speech.
Post-operative recovery: Patients stay in the hospital for a period of time to recover from surgery. They may undergo physical and occupational therapy to regain strength and function. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the patient’s progress and discuss any further treatment options.
Six months after surgery: Patients undergo cognitive testing to assess any changes in thinking skills and brain function. The results of the testing may show areas of improvement or areas that have been affected by the surgery.
Overall, the timeline of a patient’s experience before and after brain surgery for a glioma involves a series of steps aimed at diagnosing, treating, and managing the effects of the tumor and surgery on the brain. The goal is to provide the best possible outcome for the patient’s overall health and well-being.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about brain surgery for the removal of a glioma include:
- What specific cognitive skills may be affected by the surgery?
- Which areas of the brain are most likely to be impacted by the surgery?
- How long does it typically take to recover cognitive function after brain surgery?
- Are there any specific exercises or therapies that can help improve cognitive function after surgery?
- Are there any potential long-term cognitive effects of the surgery that I should be aware of?
- Will I need any additional support or accommodations to help with cognitive function during my recovery?
- Are there any factors that may increase the risk of cognitive deficits following surgery, such as the location or size of the tumor?
- What is the likelihood of experiencing cognitive changes after surgery, and how can these changes be monitored and managed?
- Are there any resources or support groups available for patients undergoing brain surgery to help with cognitive recovery?
- How can I best communicate with my healthcare team about any cognitive changes or concerns that arise after surgery?
Reference
Authors: Niki C, Kumada T, Maruyama T, Tamura M, Kawamata T, Muragaki Y. Journal: Behav Neurol. 2020 Mar 25;2020:7941689. doi: 10.1155/2020/7941689. eCollection 2020. PMID: 32300377