Radiation encephalopathy induced by radiotherapy in nasophaiyngeal carcinoma: a clinical study of 16 cases
10.3760/cma.j.issn.1671-8925.2010.07.023
- VernacularTitle:鼻咽癌放射性脑病16例诊治体会
- Author:
Chi LIN
1
;
Wan-Quan ZHENG
Author Information
1. 解放军第421医院
- Keywords:
Radiation encephalopathy;
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma;
Radiotherapy
- From:
Chinese Journal of Neuromedicine
2010;09(7):736-739
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective To explore the clinical characteristics, treatment and prevention of radiation encephalopathy induced by radiotherapy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Methods The clinical materials of 16 patients with radiation encephalopathy after radiotherapy were analyzed retrospectively. After these definite diagnoses, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and such medications as neurotrophic agent, vasodilator and vitamin were given to the patients, and hormone and dehydration therapy were also employed at the early stage. Results Eleven patients showed the symptoms after the first time radiotherapy and 5 showed the symptoms after the second time radiotherapy; these symptoms included headache, dizzy, poor memory, hypophrenia and psychologic changes. Temporal lobe lesions were found, including 5 with bilateral temporal lesions. All 16 patients were followed up, among which 15 were still alive and 1 died of pulmonary infections; 7 had poor living quality with severe symptoms. Conclusion No good treatment can be given to patients with radiation encephalopathy after radiotherapy with poor prognosis. Setting effective preventive measures according to various related factors is the key to the prevention and treatment of radiation encephalopathy induced by radiotherapy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
