Neurologic Complications of Cancer and Cancer Therapy

Abstract

When neurologic complications occur as a result of systemic cancer and cancer treatment, they can be more disabling for patients than their primary cancer and significantly impair functioning in varied domains. However, recognizing neurologic signs and symptoms as complications of cancer and its treatment can pose a challenge for healthcare providers. Oncology nurses must develop a high index of suspicion for neurologic complications when examining or interviewing patients who present with neurologic symptoms or deficits and have a known systemic cancer. The purpose of this article is to help oncology nurses identify the common presentations of those complications and understand the ways in which they occur, with the hope that early identification will facilitate appropriate medical intervention and slow the progression of neurologic deficits and systemic decline.

Factors associated with unplanned transfers among cancer patients at a freestanding acute rehabilitation facility

“…[4][5][6][7] Patients with cancer can have significant loss of function and reduced independence and these impairments can originate from the cancer itself (central nervous system involvement, peripheral nerve compression from tumor, bone involvement) or from the oncologic treatment (such as chemotherapy-or radiation-related neuropathy, lymphedema, limb loss, and cognitive dysfunction). [8][9][10][11] Additionally, patients can have systemic processes further limiting their function including anorexia, fatigue, cachexia, and deconditioning. [12][13][14] Patients with a significant functional decline need intensive rehabilitation provided in an inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) to address impairments and manage their medical care and additional psychosocial factors in an effort to increase their level of independence.…”

“…This has led to more availability of rehabilitation services for this population 4‐7 . Patients with cancer can have significant loss of function and reduced independence and these impairments can originate from the cancer itself (central nervous system involvement, peripheral nerve compression from tumor, bone involvement) or from the oncologic treatment (such as chemotherapy‐ or radiation‐related neuropathy, lymphedema, limb loss, and cognitive dysfunction) 8‐11 . Additionally, patients can have systemic processes further limiting their function including anorexia, fatigue, cachexia, and deconditioning 12‐14 …”