24 September 2023
Astrocytoma is a tumor of the brain (less commonly, the spinal cord) that develops in an organ confined by the bones of the skull and facial skeleton. Therefore, as the tumor grows, it almost always accompanies focal symptoms such as headaches.
An astrocytoma located in the frontal part causes the emergence of cognitive and behavioral disorders: a decrease in intellect, memory impairment, changes in thinking, mood, manifestations of aggression or euphoria, and a change in character traits (relatives and close ones complain that they "no longer recognize the person, as if they've been replaced"). Depending on the structures affected near the frontal lobes, speech disorders (dyslexia) and motor disorders of the skeletal muscles (paralysis) may occur.
Temporal astrocytoma is capable of provoking hallucinations (olfactory, gustatory, visual, auditory) and is accompanied by worsening of memory and speech (unclear pronunciation) and epileptic seizures.
Astrocytoma in the temporal part of the hemisphere leads to the appearance of sensory disorders on the side opposite to the lesion. Disorders of counting and writing can also be observed due to fine motor skills impairment.
Occipital astrocytoma is a relatively rare occurrence, but when a tumor develops in this part, visual disturbances appear in the form of hallucinations, field of vision restrictions, changes in color perception, and a sensation of "flashes" in the eyes.
Cerebellar astrocytoma causes vestibular disorders: a sense of balance loss, lack of coordination, unsteadiness when walking, spatial disorientation, and a decrease or loss of the ability to maintain an upright position (standing).
In cases of astrocytoma located in the area of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, the Parina symptom is often observed (the "setting sun" symptom - the position of the eyeballs directed downwards with a visible strip of the cornea between the upper eyelid and the upper edge of the iris). Astrocytomas of these neuroendocrine glands cause obstruction of the cerebrospinal fluid flow, adding signs of endocrine system dysfunction to the symptoms of increased intracranial pressure. In children, premature sexual maturation can sometimes be triggered by astrocytoma, while in adults, changes in libido, fertility disorders, disturbances in carbohydrate metabolism, functions of the thyroid and parathyroid glands, and adrenal glands may occur.
The treatment of brain tumors requires profound knowledge, practical experience, and surgical skill, and early diagnosis increases the chances of recovery for the patient. Therefore, we urge you not to ignore symptoms that may be a sign of a serious illness but to seek qualified assistance from specialists at the "Obereg" Universal Clinic. Specialized assistance for suspected brain diseases will be provided to you at the neurosurgical center of the "Obereg" clinic, led by Andriy Oleksandrovych Danchin, Doctor of Medical Sciences, a neurosurgeon with 26 years of experience and thousands of successfully performed surgeries.
Call: +380 44 521 30 03 or schedule a consultation on the website: https://my.oberig.ua/ua/appointment/
