Month: March 2019

Posted on

DIPG: The Symptoms You Should Be Aware Of

Awareness about the not-much-talked-about Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG)
can help in the diagnosis and pain-relieving treatment of the disease. These glial
tumors, that are found at the base of the brain are most common in children. A
related condition called “hydrocephalus” wherein fluid builds-up in the brain also
causes pressure in the brain. These are the major symptoms of DIPG:

Problems with eye movement, vision, and control:
 
DIPG occurs in the “pons” of the brainstem, causing pressure on the cranial nerves
that originate from that part of our brain. These nerves control the facial muscles
that are used to move the eyes. Other symptoms of DIPG related to the eyes are
double vision, drooping of the eyelids and inability to completely shut the eyes.

Difficulty in swallowing and chewing:

The cranial nerves that originate from the pons, also control the facial muscles which
are used to chew and swallow food. Difficulty in performing these two functions are
one of the first red flags.

Problems in balance:

The balance system of the human body works when the inner ear, brain, muscles,
joints and the eyes function unimpaired together. DIPG hampers their functioning.

Headaches:
 
It causes headaches, especially in the morning. As the tumor enlarges, it causes
pressure and pain in the brain.

Nausea and vomiting:

Both these symptoms are a result of the increased pressure inside the brain.

Other symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, deafness, difficulty in urinating, problems in
walking, weakness in the limbs, clumsiness, difficulty in sleeping are also present.
Symptoms can get intense a month before diagnosis but can also appear up to six
months before. As DIPG is a rapidly-growing tumor the symptoms can get worse
quickly. It is advisable to seek medical help as soon as possible.

The Marc Junior Foundation has been dedicated to spreading awareness about DIPG,
funding research for its cure and encouraging the participation of the people in
helping those facing DIPG. Join our movement. You can also donate to the cause.

Sources:

  1. https://dipg.org/dipg-facts/symptoms-of-dipg/
  2. https://dipgregistry.org/medical-professionals/dipg-symptom-management-and-end-of-life-care/
  3. http://weillcornellbrainandspine.org/condition/diffuse-intrinsic-pontine-glioma-dipg/symptoms-dipg
  4. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/articles-and-answers/ask-the-expert/brain-tumors-in-children-8-warning-signs-you-should-know
Posted on

5 Things About DIPG That Will Help Us Understand It

Famous philosopher Voltaire said, “God gave us the gift of life; it is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well.” It is difficult to have a positive outlook when your child is facing a rare tumor-like DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma) but it is necessary. It is the quality of life that matters the most, no matter how long it is. When facing DIPG, one of the greatest challenges we face is the lack of knowledge about it. These seven things will help us understand it better.

1. DIPG affects children majorly, it is uncommon in adults.

About 300-350 cases of DIPG are diagnosed every year in the United States, out of which most are in children aged below ten. Both boys and girls are equally affected. (source)

2. The disease occurs in a delicate area of the brainstem that controls critical body functions.

DIPG occurs in the “pons” of the brainstem of a person. The pons is a structure located in the upper part of the brainstem that controls functions like breathing, senses like hearing and taste, body balance, communication between different sections of the brain etc.

3. The symptoms of DIPG can appear suddenly.

Typical MRI appearance of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) | Katherine E. Warren (2012) [CC BY 3.0]
A pontine glioma, DIPG grows rapidly. Some of the early symptoms include sudden hearing problems, nausea, headache, vomiting, problems with movements of the eyes and eyelids, weakness in the face and the limbs, loss of balance, problems in chewing and swallowing food among others.

4. A cure has not been found for DIPG yet.

 

Treatments like radiotherapy help with the symptoms of DIPG by shrinking the tumor but they do not cure it. Despite ongoing research, no definite cure has been found. Research conducted by Dr. Mark Souweidane of St. Baldrick has come close to finding a cure through injecting a high concentration of cancer-fighting drug directly into the tumor. (reference)

5. Awareness, acceptance and comforting can go a long way in helping to deal with DIPG.

As the awareness of this rare tumor is scarce, it is difficult for families facing DIPG to understand and face the disease. Accepting that your child is facing DIPG will help you comfort them and make it a little easier. Simple comforting techniques like giving them their favorite soft toys, cuddling with them under a blanket like Quility, or watching a superhero movie with them will help.

Quility Premium Kids Weighted Blanket & Removable Cover
Quility Premium Kids Weighted Blanket & Removable Cover

The Marc Junior Foundation has been helping families dealing with DIPG by offering educational and financial assistance, along with making efforts to fund research to find a cure. Get in touch with us for more information, donate today to make a difference.

You can also follow us on Facebook.