What may happen in the final days of glioblastoma?

Awareness can fluctuate, and speech may become difficult. Breathing may change in rhythm, with longer pauses, while hands and feet can feel cool. Swallowing often becomes harder, so forcing food, drink, or tablets can cause distress. These signs vary and do not provide a precise timetable. The palliative-care team can explain what they mean and prescribe medicines for pain, agitation, breathlessness, nausea, or seizures.

Keep the room calm, speak gently, and offer reassurance even when the person cannot reply. Moisten the mouth and lips as advised, change position with help, and follow the care plan for medicines. Ask the team about home support, hospice services, spiritual care, and who to call day or night. Treatment information remains available on the Glioblastoma page.

Call the treating or palliative-care team if pain, agitation, breathing difficulty, vomiting, or seizures are not controlled by the plan. Use emergency services for a prolonged seizure, severe distress, or if no end-of-life plan is available and the person is deteriorating suddenly.

Ask which changes are expected, how to give medicines if swallowing stops, what to do after a missed dose, and when to call urgently. Ask whether Brain Tumour Surgery, Radiotherapy, or Chemotherapy still offers a useful goal, or whether comfort-focused care is now the priority.