Brain tumors are the most common solid tumors that occur in children. Children of any age can be affected by this tumour.Today, more than half of all children diagnosed with a brain tumor will be cured of the disease. However, because of their location, the treatment for brain tumors is particularly complex. Furthermore, many children who are treated for brain tumors experience significant long-term problems, such as changes in intellectual and motor function. Consequently, these children require ongoing assessment and specialized care to help them function at school and throughout life as best as possible.
Anatomy of the brain
The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord .Together they control all our body functions.
Between the brain and the skull are three layers of membrane called meninges which completely covers the brain and spinal cord. A fluid called the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is contained between two of these layers and cushions the brain. This fluid is made in small hollows within the brain, called ventricles. The brain is connected to the face by twelve specific cranial nerves that control most eye, face and tongue movements.
The brain, like every other organ in the body is made up of cells. There are about 40 billion nerve cells, called neurons in the brain. These cells communicate with each other and with other parts of the body by sending messages or nerve impulse via a system of nerve pathways or network.
The main parts of the brain are :-
*Cerebrum – Largest area of the brain. Consist of two halves or hemispheres. The right hemisphere controls movement of the left side of the body and vice versa. The cerebrum is mainly concerned with higher mental functions such as thinking, memory, speech, hearing and vision
*Cerebellum – Situated at the back of the brain and concerned with balance and coordination.
*Brain stem – Controls basic function that are essential for maintaining life including breathing, heart beat and blood pressure.
