Semin Neurol 2004; 24: 405-417 DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-861535
Copyright © 2004 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.
Complications of Radiation Therapy on the Brain and Spinal Cord
Anthony Béhin1, Jean-Yves Delattre1
1 Fédération de Neurologie Mazarin, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France

ABSTRACT

Various nervous system complications can result from radiation therapy. Usually classified according to the timing of onset after irradiation, these complications can be debilitating and even life-threatening. A better knowledge of the risk factors has allowed the definition of “safe” procedures that have reduced the incidence of severe sequelae. This review addresses the main clinical, radiological, biological, and therapeutic issues pertaining to the side effects of radiation therapy on the brain and spinal cord, including radiation-induced vascular and endocrine complications.

KEYWORDS

Radiotherapy - encephalopathy - glioma - arteriopathy - dementia - cognitive impairment - endocrine dysfunction - myelopathy - radio-induced tumor