What are the long-term side effects of craniospinal irradiation?

Long-term complications following whole-brain and whole-spinal cord radiation therapy commonly include dermatitis, cerebral edema, epilepsy, and others. Specific details are as follows:

1. Dermatitis

Whole-brain and whole-spinal cord radiation therapy is typically used to treat intracranial tumors. It effectively suppresses tumor progression, kills cancer cells, and prevents their proliferation and metastasis. However, it may cause certain damage to the local skin, leading to symptoms such as pus discharge and erosion. In such cases, medications like erythromycin ointment or chlortetracycline hydrochloride ointment can be applied according to medical advice.

2. Cerebral Edema

While killing cancer cells, whole-brain and whole-spinal cord radiation therapy may also damage normal brain cells, resulting in cerebral edema. This may manifest as decreased memory and slowed reaction time. Medications such as furosemide tablets or glycerol fructose can be taken as prescribed by a physician to alleviate symptoms of cerebral edema.

3. Epilepsy

Radiation therapy may also injure the brain and stimulate abnormal discharges in neurons, leading to epilepsy. Symptoms may include impaired consciousness and behavioral disturbances. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as phenobarbital scopolamine tablets or levetiracetam tablets can be used for treatment.

In addition to the above complications, this therapy may also lead to brain injury, cognitive impairment, leukopenia, and other conditions. Patients should ensure adequate rest and avoid excessive fatigue in daily life.