Primary Neurological Conditions
Brain tumors occur when abnormal cells grow in the brain. These abnormal cells can show up initially in the brain or migrate there from other parts of the body. They can be benign (non-cancerous) or cancerous. Brain tumor symptoms vary depending on the location of the tumor. Common symptoms of brain tumors include headaches, seizures, balance problems, nausea, and vomiting. Brain tumor treatment options depend on the type and stage of the tumor, as well as the patient’s overall health and preferences. These options may include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
What our patients say…
“My visit was excellent in every respect. I will not hesitate to recommend Dr Plakas to everyone. He is an excellent physician.”
For more information on treatment, please reach out to Gulf Coast Brain and Spine Center today.
Tumor staging categorization:
- Grade 1: Least malignant, slow growing, possibly curable
- Grade 2: Slow growing tumors that may recur later
- Grade 3: Malignant and infiltrative
- Grade 4: Most malignant, aggressive
Types we treat at Gulf Coast Brain and Spine Center include: meningiomas, gliomas, astrocytomas, glioblastoma multiforme, hemangioblastoma, acoustic neuroma, secondary brain tumors (metastatic tumors), Schwanomas, colloid cysts, and intraventricular tumors.
Gliomas are a type of tumor that begins in the brain or spinal cord and can take many forms. Astrocytomas, ependymomas, glioblastomas, oligoastrocytomas, and oligodendrogliomas are all types of gliomas. Astrocytomas form from star-shaped cells of the brain called astrocytes, while ependymomas arise from the lining of the ventricles and central canal of the spinal cord. Glioblastoma is an aggressive type of glioma that is composed of many different cell types with rapid growth potential. Oligodendrogliomas are composed of cells called oligodendrocytes that produce myelin sheaths which aid in conduction along nerve fibers. Finally, oligoastrocytoma is a combination of both astrocyte and oligodendrocyte cells.
At Gulf Coast Brain & Spine Center we are dedicated to providing the best possible care for our patients. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with a brain tumor, we encourage you to contact us for more information about our services. Knowledge is power, so learn more at the Brain Tumor Foundation here.