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Brain tumours in children: reducing time to diagnosis
Siba Prosad Paul1, Rachel Perrow, Melany Andora Webster
1Bristol Royal Hospital for Children.
Insights
Brain tumors are the leading cause of childhood cancer deaths. Early recognition by emergency department nurses using tools like the HeadSmart symptom card can speed diagnosis and improve outcomes for pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Emergency Medicine
- Clinical Nursing
Background:
- Brain tumors are the primary cause of cancer-related mortality in children.
- Initial symptoms of pediatric brain tumors often resemble less severe conditions, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment.
- The HeadSmart campaign aims to improve early detection through a dedicated symptom card for healthcare professionals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the critical role of emergency department nurses in recognizing pediatric brain tumor signs and symptoms.
- To emphasize the importance of prompt diagnosis and transfer to specialist centers for definitive management.
- To illustrate diagnostic challenges and recognition strategies through case studies.
Main Methods:
- Review of two pediatric case studies involving brain tumors.
- Discussion of clinical presentations and diagnostic pathways in the emergency department setting.
- Emphasis on the application of the HeadSmart campaign's symptom recognition tool.
Main Results:
- Case studies illustrate how subtle signs can indicate serious underlying brain tumors in children.
- Effective use of symptom cards can increase suspicion and expedite the diagnostic process.
- Timely identification facilitates prompt transfer to specialized neuro-oncology centers.
Conclusions:
- Emergency department nurses play a vital role in the early detection of pediatric brain tumors.
- Utilizing tools like the HeadSmart symptom card is crucial for reducing diagnostic delays.
- Swift recognition and stabilization are essential for optimal patient outcomes and transfer to specialist care.
Abstract:
Although the leading cause of childhood, cancer-related deaths, initial presentations of brain tumours can mimic less serious conditions, which can delay diagnosis. To reduce the time between presentation and diagnosis, the HeadSmart campaign has produced a symptom card to raise suspicion of brain tumours among healthcare professionals in all settings. This article refers to two case studies to describe how emergency department nurses can recognise the signs and symptoms of brain tumours in children. Definitive management is delivered in specialist centres, so safe and prompt transfer is a priority once children are stabilised.
