Brain tumor surgery is a medical procedure that focuses on removing abnormal cell growth in the brain. These tumors have the potential to cause different neurological symptoms, like headaches, seizures, and cognitive issues. The major concern for patients who are undergoing brain tumor surgery is memory-related issues. This blog will shed light on the potential risks, the underlying reasons, and how memory will be affected.
What is memory and brain tumor?
Different regions of the brain are responsible for memory, but the significant ones include the hippocampus, temporal lobes, and frontal lobes. This hippocampus is located deep within the brain’s temporal lobes, which is crucial for forming and retrieving memories. In case, brain tumors grow near or within these regions, they will start to affect your memory even before undergoing the brain tumor surgery. This is due to tumors that can disrupt normal brain tissue and pathways responsible for memory.
How do brain tumors impact memory before surgery?
Simply, based on the size, location, and growth rate of the tumor, individuals will encounter memory-related issues even before undergoing brain tumor surgery. Tumors that grow near the hippocampus or frontal and temporal lobes are more likely to cause memory issues. The common symptoms include,
- Forgetting recent conversations
- Losing track of appointments
- Recalling names
- Remembering faces
While cognitive impairments, like memory loss, are not uncommon in individuals with brain tumors. In certain cases, these brain tumor signs will improve post-surgery, notably if the tumor causing the memory issues is removed. On the other hand, at times brain tumor surgery can worsen the problems. Further, vertigo can cause balance-related issues and a feeling of spinning, even we can say that vertigo and brain tumors will usually come together.
How brain tumor surgery is performed?
Brain tumor surgery is also referred to as craniotomy, in which doctors will open your skull to remove the tumor as much as possible. Brain tumor surgery aims to reduce the pressure the tumor places on the brain while preserving surrounding healthy tissues. Surgeons use the latest technologies like, intraoperative imaging and awake craniotomies, to find critical brain areas, including those involved in memory, motor function, and speech. These methods increase the accuracy of the surgery and reduce the damage to vital cognitive regions. Also, you need to understand that, despite the treatment, there will be certain memory-related issues will remain, based on where the tumor is located.
Can brain tumor surgery cause memory loss?
The straight answer for this is, yes, brain tumor surgery can disturb your memory, also the extent will differ from person to person. Certain factors will determine, whether the brain tumor surgery will impact memory like,
- Tumor location: If the tumor is located near the temporal lobes, hippocampus, or other memory-related regions, the chances of developing memory-related issues post-surgery, and brain tumor headaches are higher. If the doctors want to remove parts of these areas or if there is further damage due to the tumor itself, memory can get disturbed.
- Size of the tumor: Large tumors or those that have infiltrated brain tissue can be more tough to remove completely without affecting the nearby structures. Simply, if the invasion is large, the risk of memory-related issues will also be higher. So visit the brain tumor doctor in Coimbatore to get the desired outcomes.
- Pre-surgery memory function: In case, an individual has memory-related issues before undergoing brain tumor surgery due to tumor pressure or inflammation, either the brain tumor surgery will help in improving, stabilizing, or further will worsen the memory function, based on the extent of recovery or damage.
- Surgical techniques: The latest surgical approaches reduce the risk of damaging memory-related brain structures. Even techniques like awake brain surgery allow the doctors to observe the patient’s cognitive functions during the procedure. This is the best way to avoid unnecessary damage to crucial areas of the brain when removing the tumor.
- Post-surgery inflammation: Swelling of the brain is common post-surgery. At times, this swelling will disturb memory function temporarily, also memory can return to its baseline state. Even chronic inflammation can result in long-term memory loss.
How to differentiate short-term memory loss and long-term memory loss?
When discussing brain tumor surgery, it’s crucial to give importance to short-term and long-term memory loss. Further, let’s see the difference between short-term and long-term memory loss,
- Short-term memory loss: Post-surgery few patients will experience issues with short-term memory like remembering new information like recent events, appointments, or instructions. However, this type of memory loss is temporary and will improve when the brain heals from the brain tumor surgery.
- Long-term memory loss: In some severe cases, brain tumor surgery will disturb the person’s ability to remember memories, like crucial life events or important knowledge. Typically, this long-term memory loss is less common but in rare cases, it can occur, in case the tumor or surgery directly affects the brain region like the hippocampus.
How to manage memory loss post-surgery?
When it comes to memory loss, it will affect both the patients and their loved ones. Fortunately, there are certain ways to treat and manage the memory impairment,
- Cognitive rehabilitation therapy (CTR): This method is designed to assist patients in relearning cognitive skills, like memory, that may have been affected by brain tumor surgery. It involves activities and exercises aimed at improving cognitive function.
- Reminders: Devices such as smartphones, notebooks, and alarms can help patients with memory impairments in managing their daily activities. When setting reminders for tasks, appointments, and medications can assist the patients in dealing with memory-related issues.
- Speech and occupational therapy: These therapies help patients regain cognitive functions like language, reasoning, and memory, by concentrating on structural exercises and tasks.
- Lifestyle modifications: Consistent physical activity, mental stimulations like puzzles or reading, and a healthy diet consist more antioxidants and brain-boosting nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids can assist brain health and memory recovery.
- Emotional and psychological support: Post-surgery, memory loss can lead to frustration, anxiety, and depression. When, counselling and support groups will offer emotional outlets for the patients and caregivers as well. Further, consider visiting the best neurosurgery hospital in Coimbatore to protect your mental health.
Final thoughts:
In conclusion, we can say that brain tumor surgery is a complicated and delicate procedure at times it will disturb your memory, based on factors such as the tumor’s location, size, and the individual’s pre-surgery cognitive health. Few patients may experience memory loss, but advancements in surgical techniques and rehabilitation therapies offer a better prognosis for memory recovery.
