On this page you will find information about clinical care that may help you feel more engaged and in control as a caregiver.
Getting a second opinion
People seek a second opinion for a variety of reasons. Evidence shows that the main reasons are clinical uncertainty or dissatisfaction with patient–physician communication. People who seek a second opinion tend to be satisfied with the opinion (84%), and 77% felt their health improved.
*Shmueli, L. et al. (2017). Seeking a second medical opinion: composition, reasons and perceived outcomes in Israel. Israel Journal of Health Policy Research, 6(1):67
Find Out More
Scans and tests
The initial detection of a brain tumour is confirmed through imaging such as a CT or MRI scan. It is as this stage that the pathway starts. Options as to what happens next should be discussed with the patient and ideally with a caregiver present by the clinical team – usually a neurosurgeon.
Find Out More
Who’s who in the clinical team?
The person you are caring for will meet many different health care professionals on their journey, and may need your help understanding roles and responsibilities so that you can get the most out of each appointment, or know who to turn to with your questions about brain tumour care.
Find Out More
Types of brain surgery
After a brain tumour diagnosis has been made, the next step on the clinical pathway will be for clinicians to decide how to treat your loved one. At this stage you may want to do even more research and ask questions to feel like you have explored every avenue.
Find Out More
Brain tumour therapies, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy
It is likely that therapies will be discussed on your journey. These treatments can be effective, but are not without impact on the patient and day-to-day life. This content has been written to help you know what to expect as a carer.
Find Out More
Alternative and novel therapies
As a carer you will want to leave no stone unturned in your search for treatments and help for the person you are looking after. Here you can read about some of the newer, experimental treatments and clinical trials for people with a brain tumour. These include immunotherapies and medical cannabis or cannabinoids.
Find Out More
