What to expect from radiotherapy for brain tumour

Radiotherapy uses focused beams aimed at the tumour or an area at risk. Planning combines scans with a treatment position that keeps your head still; this may involve a fitted mask or another support. The mask can feel close around the face, but staff can hear and communicate with you throughout.

The machine does not touch you, and the radiation is not felt. Treatment may be given as a series of visits or a more focused plan, depending on tumour type, location, previous treatment, and your overall care. Tiredness, headache, nausea, scalp irritation, or hair loss in the treated area may develop during or after treatment.

Take medicines exactly as prescribed, including steroids or anti-seizure medicines when these are part of your plan. Do not stop them suddenly. Arrange transport if concentration, vision, balance, or fatigue makes driving unsafe, and keep a record of headaches, seizures, weakness, speech changes, or confusion.

Use gentle scalp care and ask before applying products to the treated area. Rest between activities, accept practical help, and keep appointments for neurological checks and scans. Tell the team about pregnancy, implanted devices, or any new medicine before planning begins.

Contact your team urgently for a new or worsening headache, repeated vomiting, increasing drowsiness, a seizure, new weakness or numbness, speech or vision changes, confusion, or difficulty walking. Call emergency services for a prolonged seizure, loss of consciousness, or sudden severe neurological change.

Ask why this radiotherapy approach was selected, whether you will need a mask, how medicines control swelling or seizures, whether you can drive or work, which symptoms need immediate help, and when the next scan will assess the treatment.