Brain tumours in children: reducing time to diagnosis
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Brain tumours in children: reducing time to diagnosis

Siba Prosad Paul Specialty trainee year 6 in paediatric gastroenterology, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children
Rachel Perrow Neuro-oncology and solid tumour clinical nurse specialist, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children
Melany Andora Webster Specialty trainee year 2 in paediatrics, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children

Siba Prosad Paul and colleagues discuss the role of emergency nurses in the acute management of brain tumours in children and young people

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.

Emergency Nurse. 22, 1, 32-36. doi: 10.7748/en2014.04.22.1.32.e1268

This article has a correction. Please see: Correction

Correspondence

siba.paul@nhs.net

Peer review

This article has been subject to double blind peer review

Conflict of interest

None declared

Received: 25 November 2013

Accepted: 03 March 2014

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