Awareness about the not-much-talked-about Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) can help in the diagnosis and pain-relieving treatment of the disease. These glial tumors, that are found at the base of the brain are most common in children. A related condition called “hydrocephalus” wherein fluid builds-up in the brain also causes pressure in the brain.

1. Watch for these symptoms of DIPG
DIPG – Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma is a fast-growing glial tumour
that forms cells called glial cells in a part of the brain stem called pons
(the part of the brain just above the back of the neck and connected
to the spine), which controls many of the body’s most vital functions
such as breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate and the nerves and
muscles that help us see, talk, hear, walk, and eat.

2. DIPG is a “high grade” malignant brain tumour. It is hard to treat and
has a poor prognosis. It occurs in childhood in both boys and girls
equally and is usually diagnosed between the ages of five and ten
and does not generally appear in adults. But it can show up at any
age in childhood.

3. Symptoms of Childhood DIPG:
The DIPG tumour grows at a rapid rate. Because the tumour affects
the cranial nerves, some of the earliest signs of DIPG can be seen in
the face like rapidly developing problems controlling eye movements,
facial expressions, speech,
chewing, and swallowing. The most common symptoms include:

4. ● Facial weakness or drooping (usually one side): One side of the face
may droop. Complications with the eyes (including, drooping eyelids,
uncontrolled eye movements, double vision, blurred vision). Initial
symptoms of DIPG
include changes in the child’s facial muscles involving the eyes and
eyelids. The eyelids may droop and the child may not be able to close
both eyelids completely. Double vision can also be a problem.
Generally, symptoms affect both eyes, not just one.
● Problems with chewing and swallowing: One side of the face may
droop. The child may suddenly develop problems hearing, chewing,
and swallowing.

5. Weakness in arms and legs: Symptoms can extend to the limbs,
causing weakness in the arms and legs and making standing and
walking more difficult. This will affect the daily movement of the child.

6. Nausea, Headache, Vomiting: If the tumour
causes a disruption in the flow of spinal fluid
around the brain, it increases pressure inside
the skull (hydrocephalus), symptoms can
include a painful headache, as well as nausea
and vomiting. Headache gets better after the
child vomits.
According to research, approximately 300
children in the U.S are diagnosed with DIPG
each year. Most of the tumours are
diagnosed by their appearance on MRI.
About 10% to 20% of all childhood brain
tumours are DIPG or brainstem gliomas.

7. Radiation, Chemotherapy, and Surgery are the ways in which DIPG can
be treated. But unfortunately, the survival rate for DIPG remains very
low. At this point of time, there is no cure for this tumour. Stay alert as
early diagnosis can lead to early treatment. Marc Jr Foundation works
and supports fund research toward finding a cure for DIPG. Marc Jr
Foundation is engaged in every type of awareness mission for DIPG.
For any help related to DIPG, please feel free to contact us at Marc Jr
Foundation. We will always support you.
Visit :- Watch for these symptoms of DIPG: