Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 3, 2025

Quantifying Cognitive Decrements Caused by Cranial Radiotherapy
Published on: October 18, 2011
Neurological side effects of radiation therapy
Abstract:
Radiation therapy (RT) is one of the main treatments administered to patients with cancer. The development of technology has improved RT accuracy by allowing more precise delivery of high doses to the target volumes with reduced exposure of healthy tissue. Life expectancy has increased due to these therapeutic advancements and the patients' quality of life remains a major concern. The adverse events related to RT are quite various and most likely will impair essential neurological functions, e.g. cognitive status. This literature review aims to describe the physiopathological processes, the neurological symptoms as well as the local modifications observed in magnetic resonance imaging following RT. The specific therapeutic options and preventive actions will also be discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists
Biological Effects of Radiation
Local Anesthetics: Adverse Effects
Once absorbed into the systemic circulation, local anesthetics can affect the organs that depend on the functioning of sodium...
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Adverse Effects
Unlike...
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Cannabinoids
Two synthetic agonists of THC,...

