Multiple myeloma can cause a range of issues within the brain, including in some cases, confusion, personality changes, difficulty with communication, and difficulty with balance and general motor functioning.
All of these can be caused by several different issues connected to multiple myeloma. The plasma cells, which are abnormal cells found in the bone marrow of multiple myeloma patients, can cause instability in the levels of calcium in the body.
As calcium levels in the bloodstream increase, calcium levels in the brain can also increase, leading to a host of neurological symptoms, including confusion. Additionally, these plasma cells can damage or infiltrate the brain, leading to inflammation or increased pressure in the brain, causing headache, seizures, or changes to the personality as well as other cognitive difficulties.
Finally, multiple myeloma can also lead to a decrease in the amount of oxygen that is getting to the brain, leading to further neurological problems.
Can multiple myeloma cause cognitive issues?
Yes, multiple myeloma can cause cognitive issues, such as confusion, difficulty concentrating, and difficulty with problem solving and memory. Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer of the bone marrow that affects the plasma cells.
High levels of these cancerous plasma cells can reduce levels of oxygen and other compounds that are necessary for proper cognitive functioning. In addition, cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, which commonly treat multiple myeloma, can have serious side-effects that can affect cognitive functioning.
Anemia and other nutritional deficits can also contribute to cognitive issues. Therefore, it is important that recovery teams follow their patients closely to assess for possible cognitive decline and provide nutritional and psychological support when needed.
Does multiple myeloma cause altered mental status?
Multiple myeloma can cause altered mental status in certain cases. This is because when myeloma cells form tumorous masses in the bone marrow, they can release substances that can enter the bloodstream and travel throughout the body, causing a variety of symptoms.
In some cases, these substances can affect the brain, leading to confusion, impaired memory, or other signs of altered mental status. Other symptoms of multiple myeloma, such as anemia, infections, or kidney failure, can also cause altered mental status.
It is important to talk to your doctor if you are experiencing any mental changes that are concerning in order to get checked for multiple myeloma or any other underlying health issues.
What is the most common complication of multiple myeloma?
The most common complication associated with multiple myeloma is bone marrow complications. These complications can range from anemia associated with iron deficiency to bone damage and bone fractures due to bone lesions caused by the cancer.
Patients can also develop hypercalcemia due to an increase in bone breakdown. Additionally, lytic bone lesions associated with multiple myeloma can cause nerve compression and localized paralysis. There is also an increased risk of infection due to the inability of the immune system to respond to infections.
Other complications associated with multiple myeloma can include renal failure (aka renal insufficiency), cytopenia (decrease in blood cells), and amyloidosis (buildup of proteins in various organs).
Ultimately, the complications associated with multiple myeloma are varied and may vary based on the individual patient’s underlying health.
Is confusion a symptom of multiple myeloma?
Yes, confusion can be a symptom of multiple myeloma. Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects the plasma cells in the bone marrow. This type of cancer can cause numerous physical and mental symptoms, including confusion.
Some people with multiple myeloma experience confusion concerning their daily activities, such as forgetting appointments and misplacing items. Other individuals might experience confusion in relation to their thoughts, feelings, and body movements.
Furthermore, confusion can be a part of cognitive changes that can occur during multiple myeloma treatment. It is important to tell your doctor if you experience confusion since it may be a sign of multiple myeloma and other underlying medical conditions.
Treatment of the underlying cause may be required to improve confusion.
What are advanced signs of multiple myeloma?
Advanced signs of multiple myeloma can include:
1. Bone pain, especially in the spine, hips, and ribs
2. Anemia (low red blood cells)
3. low platelet count which can lead to easy bruising or bleeding
4. Weakness
5. Fractures or broken bones as a result of bone damage
6. Weight loss
7. Constant fatigue
8. Infections or fever due to a weakened immune system
9. Kidney problems including kidney failure
10. Hypercalcemia (high calcium levels) which can lead to nausea, vomiting, constipation, and dehydration
11. Elevated levels of monoclonal proteins or M proteins in the blood
12. Increase in certain white blood cells known as plasma cells
13. Unusual bleeding due to low levels of clotting factors
14. Increase in body fluids such as ascites (abdominal swelling) and pleural effusions (fluid in the lungs)
15. Neurological symptoms such as changes in vision, confusion, and weakness
16. Red, purple or brown lesions on the skin known as amyloidosis or “plaques”
Where does myeloma spread to first?
Myeloma can spread beyond the bones to other parts of the body, but it does not usually spread to other organs at first. When myeloma does spread to other organs, it is typically the kidneys, lungs, and sometimes the lymph nodes.
Rarely, myeloma can spread to other organs such as the liver, brain, and heart.
When myeloma has spread to other organs, it is known as “systemic disease. ” This means that it has spread beyond the bone marrow to other areas of the body, such as the kidneys, lungs, and lymph nodes.
Myeloma can spread to other organs in several ways. It can sometimes spread through the bloodstream, or it can spread by direct extension from the bone marrow to other areas of the body.
Myeloma can also spread to other organs through a process known as “lymphatic spread. ” This is when myeloma cells travel through the lymphatic system and then into other organs. Some myeloma cells produce a type of chemical that helps them stick to certain cells.
This can allow them to spread to distant organs in the body.
Regardless of the mechanism of spread, patients with myeloma should be aware of the potential for spread to other organs and should be regularly monitored for any signs of the disease involving other organs.
How do you help someone with myeloma?
The first step is to offer emotional and moral support. It is important to be a source of understanding, validation, and encouragement. Making sure the patient feels heard and understood is beneficial.
Additionally, offering to accompany them to appointments or treatments can be helpful.
Helping with practical aspects of living with myeloma is also beneficial. This might include offering to assist them in transportation to and from appointments, providing meals, running errands, and helping with household chores.
Participating in activities together is a great way to show care and support, as it can help the loved one gain emotional strength and a sense of normalcy. It could be engaging in meaningful conversations, listening to music, playing video games, going for a walk, etc.
Finally, it is important to keep up to date with the latest available treatments and relief options, so they can be shared with the person with myeloma. This can be done by staying informed through local support groups and medical websites.
When should I suspect myeloma?
If you experience persistent fatigue, bone pain, and recurrent infections, it’s wise to speak to your doctor and consider a myeloma screening. Additionally, there are various lab tests that doctor’s use to detect the presence of myeloma, such as calcium levels, complete blood counts, and urine tests.
The telltale sign of myeloma is a significant presence of M protein, also known as monoclonal gammopathy, in the serum or urine. Other signs indicating the presence of myeloma include anemia, hypercalcemia, renal failure, lytic bone lesions, and increased levels of immunoglobulins.
If left undiagnosed or untreated, myeloma can lead to other serious conditions such as bone fractures or spinal cord compression. Therefore, it’s imperative to consult your doctor if you experience any of the previously mentioned symptoms that could be associated with myeloma.
Keep in mind, however, that these symptoms may not always be related to myeloma, but could in fact be a sign of some other underlying condition.
What conditions are mistaken for myeloma?
Myeloma can often be mistaken for other conditions due to the variety of symptoms that can be associated with it. Some of the most common conditions mistaken for myeloma include lymphoma, multiple sclerosis, infectious mononucleosis, anemia, and leukemia.
Other conditions that can be mistaken for myeloma include Plasmacytosis, Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia, heavy metal toxicity, autoimmune diseases, and multiple myeloma. Additionally, certain illnesses, such as angina, can present with similar symptoms to myeloma and must be ruled out during diagnosis.
It is important to obtain a thorough medical history and physical exam in order to identify which condition is causing the symptoms. As diagnosis can be challenging and take time, it is essential to be patient and consider all available testing to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
How do you suspect multiple myeloma?
The diagnosis of multiple myeloma begins with a medical history, physical exam, and blood tests. During the medical history, the doctor may ask questions about any symptoms the patient has, any family history of multiple myeloma, and the patient’s overall health and lifestyle.
During the physical exam, the doctor may check for lumps or swelling in the neck, abdomen, or other parts of the body. The doctor may also check for anemia, which is a common sign of multiple myeloma.
After this, the doctor may order blood tests to check for proteins or proteins related to multiple myeloma. The doctor might also check for high calcium levels, which can be another sign of multiple myeloma.
Still other tests, such as urine tests, MRI or CT scans, or bone marrow biopsies can be used to help diagnose multiple myeloma. In some cases, a doctor may also order a genetic test or a karyotype test to diagnose or rule out other types of cancer.
How do you know when multiple myeloma is getting worse?
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells in the bone marrow, and it can progress and become worse over time. Knowing when it is getting worse can help you and your doctor take steps to manage the condition, as early treatment is key to controlling the disease.
Some signs that multiple myeloma may be getting worse include more frequent and intense bone pain, bruising more easily than usual, increased fatigue, more frequent and intense infections, darkening of the skin due to hyperpigmentation, shortness of breath and changes in vision, hearing or balance.
Other symptoms can include weight loss, frequent thirst and urination, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet and an enlarged spleen. If you experience any of these symptoms, see your doctor for further evaluation.
Your doctor will also monitor your blood tests for multiple myeloma, specifically for anemia, decreased levels of albumin, and increasing levels of M-component. These tests can help to detect the progression of multiple myeloma as well as any associated problems.
If your multiple myeloma is getting worse, your doctor may recommend more aggressive treatment options. These can include steroid treatments, radiation and chemotherapy. These therapies can help to slow the progression and keep your multiple myeloma in check.
Your doctor may also prescribe specific medications to help you manage your symptoms or to stop the cancer from growing.
It is important for you to take steps to detect the progression of your multiple myeloma early. Be aware of any changes in your symptoms and contact your doctor if you notice any new or worsening symptoms.
Keep all of your appointments, such as those for your regular blood tests, to help detect any changes in your condition.
What causes confusion in leukemia patients?
Leukemia is a type of cancer of the blood cells and bone marrow, and it can cause confusion in patients due to a number of factors. A common source of confusion in leukemia patients is due to the medications and treatments they must undergo for the condition.
Chemotherapy drugs can cause fatigue, mental confusion, and difficulty in concentrating, which can lead to confusion, especially in more severe cases of leukemia. In addition, radiation therapy and other cancer treatments can cause cognitive impairment as a side effect and lead to confusion in leukemia patients.
Moreover, leukemia itself can affect the body in ways that can lead to confusion. Anemia, a common symptom of leukemia, can cause symptoms such as mental confusion due to the lack of oxygen in the blood.
Other symptoms of leukemia can include fatigue, headaches, and dizziness, which can impair concentration and lead to confusion.
Finally, emotional and psychological factors can cause confusion in leukemia patients. Dealing with a diagnosis of cancer can be overwhelming and can lead to confusion, as well as depression and anxiety.
Additionally, certain treatments, such as blood transfusions, can lead to fear or help disrupt daily routines and contribute to psychological confusion.