Connecticut Children’s Neuro-Oncology Program treats children and young adults with malignant, non-malignant and spinal cord tumors. Our patients receive comprehensive and coordinated care from our Neuro-Oncology team including other pediatric subspecialties such as Physical Therapy, Ophthalmology, Endocrinology, Nutrition, and Neurosurgery.
 

Knowing the Signs and Symptoms of a Brain Tumor

A brain tumor can cause symptoms by directly pressing on the surrounding parts of the brain that control certain body functions, or by causing a buildup of spinal fluid and pressure throughout the brain (a condition known as hydrocephalus).

Signs or symptoms vary depending on a child’s age and the location of the tumor, but may include:

  • Vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Weakness of the face, trunk, arms or legs
  • Slurred speech
  • Difficulty standing or walking
  • Poor coordination
  • Headache
  • In babies and young toddlers, a rapidly enlarging head

Brain tumors in children are often very different from those in adults in cell type, presentation, and responsiveness to treatment. Because a child’s brain is still developing, it is important for a child or adolescent to receive diagnosis and treatment from a physician team specializing in pediatric brain tumors.
 

Types of Brain Tumors We Treat

With a family-centered approach, the team treats a variety of brain and spinal tumors, including:

  • Medulloblastoma (primitive neuroectodermal tumor)
  • Astrocytoma
  • Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM)
  • Ependymoma
  • Choroid plexus papilloma and carcinoma
  • Atypical teratoid-rhabdoid tumor (ATRT)
  • Craniopharyngioma
  • Ganglioglioma
  • Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNET)
  • Germ cell tumors