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Brain Tumors (Expert Forum)
Personality change due to brain tumors?
Answered by
Michael Lim, MD - brain tumor, trigeminal neuralgia
Johns Hopkins Medicine
Baltimore - MD
This forum is for questions and discussions relating to brain tumors, such as: Causes, Chemotherapy, Diagnosis, Genetic Factors, Quality of Life, Radiation Therapy, Research, Risk Factors, Surgery, Symptoms, Treatments-Other.
Personality change due to brain tumors?
by big_sister, Jun 17, 2008 03:00PM
My sister has lived with brain tumors for 7 years. Two operations. She started with chemo early this year.
In the last few months we have seen her personality change significantly. She has become quite hostile, aggressive and inflexible. It is impossible to have a difference of opinion on any topic, even the most trivial of topics.
Is this due to 1)the tumor and/or 2)the chemo and/or 3)her realization that her illness is progressing?
As a family we want to find a way to respond appropriately.
In the last few months we have seen her personality change significantly. She has become quite hostile, aggressive and inflexible. It is impossible to have a difference of opinion on any topic, even the most trivial of topics.
Is this due to 1)the tumor and/or 2)the chemo and/or 3)her realization that her illness is progressing?
As a family we want to find a way to respond appropriately.
Doctor's Answer
by Michael Lim, MD, Jun 17, 2008 06:07PM
, Jun 17, 2008 06:07PM
Personality changes from a patient with a brain tumor is quite complex. In general, tumors that involve the frontal lobes can have effects on personality. In addition to possible personality changes from the tumor and surgery itself, brain tumors can have an effect on the social dynamics of a family. Having a brain tumor can induce profound stress for the patient and family. Family and patients are now put in an unknown situation and emotional responses can be varied. It might be easiest to ask your oncologist for help in finding resources help you an your family through this process.
