Lecture Notes on Brain Tumors and Case Study of Liza Burke

Overview

• Discussion of brain tumors and risk factors.
• Case study of Liza Burke, a University of Georgia student.

Case Study: Liza Burke

• Background:
  • Diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor.
  • Treated at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville.
• Symptoms:
  • Suffered a brain hemorrhage while on spring break in Cabo San Lucas.
  • Initially mistook symptoms for a headache; unconsciousness followed.
  • Symptoms included severe headaches, worsening with activity, changes in motor function, and sensory changes (numbness, tingling).
• Diagnosis:
  • Discovered brain tumor after being admitted.
  • Underwent six weeks of radiation treatment with little response.
  • Passed away after weeks of treatment, reportedly from glioblastoma (grade 4 astrocytoma).

Types of Brain Tumors

• Common Types:
  1. Metastatic tumors
  2. Meningioma
  3. Glioblastoma (grade 4 astrocytoma) - deadliest type, can lead to death in less than six months.
  4. Astrocytoma

Symptoms of Brain Tumors

• Severe headaches (especially at night or mornings).
• Changes in motor functions (weakness in limbs).
• Changes in sensory functions (numbness, tingling).

Statistics

• Mortality Rate: Nearly 18,900 deaths annually from brain and spinal cord tumors (American Cancer Society).

Prevention and Risk Factors

• Dr. Talk’s Advice:
  • Live a healthy lifestyle.
  • Listen to your body and don’t ignore health issues.
  • Early detection is crucial, as tumors can spread rapidly and may be beyond visible imaging by the time diagnosed.