Glioblastoma

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

• Care notes
• Ambulatory
• Discharge
• Español

A glioblastoma is a type of cancer that can develop in your brain or spinal cord. The cause of a glioblastoma is usually unknown. You may need chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery to help treat your glioblastoma.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Have someone call your local emergency number (911 in the US) for any of the following:

• You have trouble breathing.
• You have a seizure for the first time.
• Your seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
• You have more than 1 seizure before you are fully awake or aware.

Seek care immediately if:

• You have a second seizure that happens within 24 hours of your first.
• You are injured during a seizure.
• You are confused.
• You have sudden changes in your vision.

Call your doctor or oncologist if:

• You have a fever or chills.
• You have new or worsening symptoms.
• You have nausea or are vomiting.
• You feel anxious or depressed.
• You have a poor appetite.
• You have trouble swallowing.
• You continue to have a headache after you take your medicine.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• lomustine
• Gleostine
• Gliadel
• CeeNU
• BiCNU

View more treatment options

Medicines:

You may need any of the following:

• Seizure medicine helps control or prevent seizures.
• Steroids may be given to prevent or treat swelling in your brain.
• Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Manage your symptoms:

• Rest as needed. Do not plan too many activities for one day. Take short naps when you need them.
• Eat a variety of healthy foods. Healthy foods will help your body stay strong during treatment. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, fish, nuts, and cooked beans. Eat small meals more often if you have nausea. You may need to meet with a dietitian to help you plan your meals.
• Go to physical, occupational, or speech therapy as directed. A physical therapist can help you increase movement, strength, and coordination. An occupational therapist can help you find ways to do your daily activities more easily. A speech therapist can help you improve your speech.
• Get support. A brain tumor can change the way you act, think, and feel. Your memory, concentration, and ability to learn may decline. You may feel anxious or depressed. Talk with family and friends about these changes and about continuing care and treatments. Talk with your healthcare provider about counseling or therapy. This may help you manage anxiety and depression. Join a support group to speak with others that have gone through treatment.

Follow up with your doctor or oncologist as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

For more information and support:

• American Brain Tumor Association
  Phone: 1- 800 - 886
  Web Address: http://www.abta.org/brain-tumor-treatment/brain-tumor-support/support-groups/
  

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

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