What to expect from whole brain radiotherapy for brain metastases

The radiation team positions your head carefully, often using a fitted mask, and delivers treatment from an external machine. Each visit includes checks of your position and wellbeing; the radiation itself is not felt. Tiredness, headache, nausea, scalp irritation and hair loss can develop during or after treatment. Your team may prescribe medicines to reduce swelling or nausea and will review neurological symptoms.

Take medicines exactly as prescribed and tell the team about headaches, seizures, vision changes, balance problems and all other medicines. Plan rest between appointments, drink according to your clinician's advice and use gentle scalp care. Ask before applying products to the treated skin. Keep a written list of symptoms and bring someone with you if concentration, balance or fatigue makes travel difficult.

Seek urgent medical help for a new seizure, sudden weakness, new speech trouble, severe or rapidly worsening headache, repeated vomiting, confusion or loss of consciousness. Contact the radiation team promptly for worsening balance, vision changes, fever or scalp changes that become painful or blistered.

Ask how many visits are planned, whether a mask is needed, which medicines protect against swelling, how symptoms will be monitored, and what support is available for transport, memory or daily activities.