Brain Tumours

Overview

A brain tumour is an abnormal growth of cells inside the skull. It can be cancerous (malignant) or non‑cancerous (benign), but either type may press on delicate tissue and disrupt speech, movement, vision or memory. Alongside surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy, specialised rehabilitation is essential to regain independence and quality of life.

At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, Aylesbury you receive fast diagnosis, consultant‑led symptom control and one of the UK’s most comprehensive neuro‑rehabilitation programmes—without NHS waiting lists.

Why Rehabilitation Matters — Future Health Risks

• Weakness, balance loss and falls after tumour or surgery
• Speech and swallowing difficulties that threaten nutrition and safety
• Cognitive changes affecting memory, concentration and driving ability
• Fatigue and mood swings leading to isolation or depression
• Seizures that interfere with work and social life

Early, intensive rehabilitation strengthens muscles, retrains the brain and prevents long‑term disability.

Symptoms You Might Notice

• Persistent or early‑morning headache, sometimes with nausea
• Blurred or double vision, flashing lights or new blind spots
• Seizures or unexplained jerking movements
• One‑sided weakness, clumsiness or numbness
• Speech slurring, word‑finding trouble or confusion
• Gradual personality or behaviour change
• Hearing loss, ringing in one ear or new dizziness

Common Causes And Risk Factors

• Most brain tumours arise sporadically with no clear trigger
• Previous radiotherapy to the head or neck
• Family history of genetic conditions such as neurofibromatosis
• Weakened immune system after transplantation or HIV infection
• Age – benign meningiomas peak in middle age, glioblastomas are more common after 60
• Male sex – slight excess risk for malignant tumours

When To Seek Medical Advice

Call 999 if symptoms start suddenly with severe headache, seizure or rapid weakness.

Book an urgent clinic appointment on 01296 678 800 if you notice gradually worsening headaches, vision changes, speech problems or new seizures.

How We Diagnose And Monitor Brain Tumours

1. Consultant Neurology Review – focused history, neurological examination and risk assessment in our Neurology Department.
2. On‑Site CT Brain – high‑resolution scanning in the CT Suite to detect bleeding, swelling or obvious masses.
3. MRI Referral To The New Foscote Hospital – seamless transfer for contrast MRI and functional mapping when detailed imaging is required.
4. Laboratory Screening – blood count, electrolytes and tumour‑marker panels where appropriate.
5. Multidisciplinary Discussion – neurologists, radiologists, oncologists and rehabilitation specialists meet weekly to plan the next steps, including referral to a regional neurosurgical or neuro‑oncology centre if surgery or radiotherapy is needed.

Rehabilitation And Continuing Support

• Early Physical Therapy – strength, balance and gait training begin as soon as medically safe.
• Occupational Therapy – relearning daily tasks, energy‑conservation techniques and home‑safety assessments.
• Speech And Language Therapy – voice projection, swallowing safety and cognitive‑communication strategies.
• Neuropsychology – memory strategies, attention training and psychological coping support.
• Vocational Rehabilitation – graded work‑hardening programmes to help you return to employment or study.
• Spasticity And Pain Management – botulinum injections, medication adjustment and soft‑tissue techniques.
• Assistive Technology – eye‑gaze devices, adapted keyboards and environmental controls for those with severe physical limits.
• Family And Carer Training – practical skills, manual‑handling guidance and emotional‑support workshops.

Personalised goals are reviewed every two weeks, and progress is shared with your neurosurgeon or oncologist to fine‑tune ongoing therapy.

Why Choose The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital?

• Rapid Imaging – CT scans often available within 48 hours of referral
• Integrated Pathway – diagnostics, symptom control and neuro‑rehabilitation on one campus
• Consultant‑Delivered Clinics – senior neurologists lead every appointment
• Dedicated Neuro‑Rehabilitation Centre – 30‑bed unit with gym, hydrotherapy pool and virtual‑reality training suites
• Seamless Links To Specialist Surgery And Oncology – established referral routes to Oxford, London and Birmingham
• Comfort And Convenience – private ensuite rooms, chef‑prepared menus, free parking and easy rail links from Oxford, Milton Keynes and London

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Rehabilitation Start Before Or After Surgery?
Whenever possible, rehabilitation begins before surgery to build stamina and continues immediately afterwards to speed recovery.

How Long Will I Stay For Rehab?
Intensive in‑patient programmes typically run two to six weeks, followed by out‑patient or home‑based sessions. Length varies with tumour type, surgery and personal goals.

Can I Drive Again?
Driving law requires a medical declaration and seizure‑free period. Our team guides you through DVLA rules and practical assessments when appropriate.

Regain Independence And Confidence

Phone 01296 678 800 or enquire online to arrange your brain‑tumour assessment and tailored rehabilitation plan.