A brain or spinal cord tumour and its treatment can change how the mind and body work. You or your family members may notice changes in how you speak and your personality, memory and other thinking skills, movement, balance or coordination.
Learn more about:
- Types of change you may experience
- Rehabilitation
- Types of rehabilitation
- Managing seizures
- Driving
- Working
Types of change you may experience
It’s common to feel very tired. An occupational therapist can help you to manage the effects of this fatigue and give you strategies to cope.
For more on this, see Fatigue and cancer.
Other types of changes you experience will depend on the part of the brain affected by the tumour and what treatment you have had. If you or your family feel like you are behaving differently, talk to your doctor, nurse or cancer care coordinator.
The changes may be difficult to handle, and they could affect how you feel about yourself and your relationships. Talking to a counsellor or someone who has had a similar experience may help. Call Cancer Council 13 11 20 to see what support is available.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is treatment designed to help people recover from or adjust to injury or disease. After treatment for a brain or spinal cord tumour, most people will have a rehabilitation assessment to identify what they need help with and ways to manage changes. A range of health professionals offer various therapies to help restore your previous abilities or help you adjust to changes or long-term effects.
Types of rehabilitation
A range of therapies can support you in your recovery. These may be available at your cancer treatment centre, community therapy service or through a rehabilitation specialist at a rehabilitation hospital.
You may also be referred to allied health professionals (e.g. physiotherapist, occupational therapist). Ask to see a therapist experienced in working with people after treatment for brain or spinal cord tumours.
 | PhysiotherapyYour physical abilities may be affected. Physiotherapy can help you learn how to move more easily, develop muscle strength and improve balance.Moving and strengthening your muscles can reduce tiredness or weakness related to treatment. If you can’t move easily, you may be able to learn techniques, such as using a walking stick, to help you stay as independent as possible. A neurophysiotherapist specialises in treating physical changes caused by damage to the central nervous system. |
 | Cognitive rehabilitationYour memory, language skills, concentration, planning and problem- solving skills (executive function) may be affected.A neuropsychologist, speech pathologist or occupational therapist can help improve these cognitive skills. They may use memory strategies, speech therapy, technology such as calendars and reminder alerts, and word puzzles. |
 | ExerciseA physiotherapist or an exercise physiologist can give you advice on how to increase physical activity and exercise safely to improve circulation and mobility, reduce swelling, and increase both your heart and lung fitness. They will also help you find ways to return to activities you previously enjoyed.To find a physiotherapist, visit Find a physio today and to find an accredited exercise physiologist, visit ESSA Find an Accredited Exercise Professional Search. |
 | Speech therapyYour ability to talk may be affected, which is often called aphasia. A speech pathologist could help to restore speech.Speech pathologists also work with people who have difficulty swallowing food and drink (called dysphagia). To find a certified practising speech pathologist, visit Speech Pathology Australia. |
 | SightYou may lose some or all of your sight as a result of a brain tumour or surgery. Vision Australia can help people learn how to live independently.Call 1300 84 74 66 or visit Vision Australia. |
 | Occupational therapyIf you are finding it harder to do everyday personal activities (e.g. showering, dressing, preparing a meal) or more complex activities (e.g. work and driving), an occupational therapist may be able to help.They can offer a range of strategies and aids to help you manage fatigue, physical and cognitive changes so you can improve or maintain your independence. To find an occupational therapist, visit Occupational Therapy Australia. |
Financial support for people with disabilities
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides Australians aged under 65 who have a permanent and significant disability with funding for support and services. The NDIS may be able to help a person whose everyday activities have been impacted by a brain tumour. For more information, talk with your GP or rehabilitation team, call 1800 800 110 or visit National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
If your GP refers you to a rehabilitation specialist as part of a Chronic Disease GP Management Plan or Team Care Arrangement, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate for up to 5 visits each year.
→ READ MORE: Managing seizures
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Prof Lindy Jeffree, Director of Neurosurgery, Alfred Health, VIC; Caitriona Nienaber, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council WA; Prof Tamara Ownsworth, Clinical Neuropsychologist and Research Director, The Hopkins Centre, Griffith University, QLD; A/Prof Hao-Wen Sim, Medical Oncologist, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre and Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Megan Trevethan, Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapy – Cancer and Lymphoedema Services, Princess Alexandra Hospital, QLD; Chris Twyford, Cancer Specialist Nurse, Canberra Health Services, Cancer and Ambulatory Support, ACT; Dr Adam Wells, Clinical Academic Consultant Neurosurgeon, The University of Adelaide, Royal Adelaide Hospital, SA.
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