Brain Metastases

Your healthcare provider will perform tests if you have cancer and you’re experiencing symptoms of a brain tumor. Even if you don’t have symptoms, your provider may screen you for brain metastases if you have a primary cancer that’s likely to spread.

Tests include:

Neurological exam. During a neurological exam, your provider will look for changes in your balance, coordination, mental status, hearing, vision and reflexes. These changes can point to the part of your brain that the tumor is affecting.
Blood tests. You may need blood work to check for tumor markers (substances that tumors secrete into your bloodstream) that are linked to certain types of cancers.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast. An MRI uses a large magnet, radio waves and a computer to show detailed images of your brain. For a contrast-enhanced MRI, you’ll receive an injection of a safe contrast material that causes tumors to stand out more on the MRI.
Biopsy. You may need a biopsy if the other test results don’t provide enough information for a diagnosis. Your provider will remove a small amount of tissue from your tumor to test it for cancer cells. This usually happens as part of surgery to remove all or part of the tumor.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

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