What is childhood ependymoma?
A childhood ependymoma is a malignant pediatric brain tumor that develops in the cells that line the ventricles of the brain (the ependyma) and the spinal cord canal. Childhood ependymomas usually do not spread into healthy brain tissue. They sometimes spread along the spinal cord pathways but do not spread outside the brain or spinal cord. Ependymomas sometimes block the flow of spinal fluid. This can cause pressure inside the skull, which can cause permanent damage. Your child’s pediatric neurosurgeon may place a shunt (catheter) in the brain to drain spinal fluid that has built up. What are the symptoms of childhood ependymoma? Symptoms can include: • Headaches • Vomiting • Loss of balance • Seizures How is it childhood ependymoma diagnosed? The multi-disciplinary pediatric brain tumor team at Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center will start the assessment with a discussion of your child’s health history and a thorough physical examination. A detailed neurological evaluation will inc
