Hi,
Where did you hear lately that radiotherapy induces seizures? If so, what is the percentage? I think it is a good thing that you heard nothing on this forum!
Seizures were a complication in the old days when the tumors were so huge that they compressed the brain. Some parts of the brain are more prone to seizures than others. Brainstem, which some of us have compressed by the tumor, is generally not. Cerebellum is not but cerebrum is. Brain surgeries other than AN that involve the cerebrum (your thinking, emoting and speaking part) generally have 3-6 months of profilactic anti-seizure medication even if they do not induce seizures. Of course, some people will have seizures anyway without any brain surgery. I was told all this back in 1988 when I had my first brain surgery by the neurosurgeon. I was not given any anti-seizure med but the neurologist I was seeing at the time asked me a number of times if I was taking any because he was accustomed to seeing this doctor's patients taking those meds for a long time.
With the advent of MRIs with contrast, the tendency for tumors is to be discovered much smaller. In addition, the techniques are better as well so nobody talked to me about seizures now, the second time I went through the microsurgery. I have seen may surgeons and none have raised the question.
Theoretically, with radiotherapy, other parts of the brain might be affacted. When my neurologist recommended NOVALIS to me back in 2004, I asked him what parts of the brain are involved besides the brainstem. He said " your temporal lobe, a little bit". Each case, I am sure, is different just like the radiation used to kill the tumor, is. If you are really concerned about the seizures, I would recommend understanding which part of the CEREBRUM, if any, will get hit by radiation and how much. Statistically, however, your van might have trouble going because you will have a heart attack, not seizures! I would be more worried about your cholesterol and exercise habits!
Eve
