Overview
Diagnosing an ependymoma may require multiple specialists, such as a:
- Neurologist, a doctor specializing in the central nervous system.
- Neuro-oncologist, a doctor specializing in central nervous system tumors.
- Neurosurgeon, a doctor specializing in brain and spinal cord surgery.
You may have tests to learn more about the tumor’s size, location and grade, such as:
- MRIs: Specialists use large magnets and computers to view your brain or spinal cord comprehensively.
- Spinal tap (lumbar puncture): Your healthcare provider removes a small sample of cerebrospinal fluid to test it for tumor cells.
- Surgery: A neurosurgeon may remove the tumor and test it to determine its type and grade.
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Symptoms
When to see a doctor
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.
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