Patient handout: Brain Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy Step by Step — Designed for radiation oncologists to use in clinic
A targeted treatment for tumors in the brain, given gently over sessions with a comfortable head-stabilizing mask.
Why radiotherapy is used
- Radiotherapy is used for primary brain tumors or metastases (tumors that spread from elsewhere).
- The goal may be curative, controlling the tumor and its symptoms, or reducing the risk of return after surgery.
- Your doctor decides the best approach based on the tumor type, location, and number.
The area being treated
- The tumor alone with a small margin may be treated (focused local treatment).
- In some cases the whole brain is treated (whole-brain radiotherapy) when there are multiple metastases.
- Radiosurgery delivers a high dose very precisely to a small lesion in one or a few sessions.
How to prepare
- Continue your medications (such as steroids or anti-seizure drugs) exactly as prescribed, and do not stop them suddenly.
- Arrange someone to accompany and drive you if you feel fatigued or dizzy.
- Use gentle scalp products and avoid high heat and dyes.
- Note any change in neurological symptoms and report it to your team.
Early (acute) side effects
- Noticeable fatigue that may increase during treatment and for weeks after.
- Hair loss where the beams enter and exit (may be temporary or permanent depending on dose).
- Redness or itching of the scalp.
- Headache or mild nausea, usually managed with medication such as steroids when needed.
Questions to ask your doctor
- Will my treatment be focused or whole-brain? And why?
- What is the expected effect on my memory and concentration?
- Will my hair fall out, and will it grow back?
- Should I continue steroids and anti-seizure medication?
- Can I drive and work during treatment?
When to contact us immediately
- A new or worsening severe headache, especially with vomiting
- A new seizure
- Sudden weakness or numbness in a limb, or difficulty speaking or seeing
- A change in awareness or unusual heavy drowsiness
- Fever with headache and a stiff neck
If any of these appear, contact your treatment team immediately or go to the emergency department.