Diffuse Midline Glioma | Symptoms & Causes
What are the symptoms of a diffuse midline glioma (DMG)?
Because DMGs grow quickly, symptoms are usually present by the time a child is diagnosed. Although every child is different, DMG symptoms can include some or all of the following:
- double vision or abnormal eye movements
- slurred speech
- trouble swallowing
- weakness on one or both sides of the body
- balance difficulties
- facial drooping
- fatigue
- vomiting
- headaches
What causes a diffuse midline glioma (DMG)?
Most DMGs involve changes in certain genes. However, DMG tumors are not hereditary, and we don’t yet fully understand why some children develop these brain tumors.
Diffuse Midline Glioma | Diagnosis & Treatments
How is a diffuse midline glioma (DMG) diagnosed?
DMGs are typically diagnosed based on a child’s symptoms and the results of brain imaging, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In some cases, a biopsy or surgical resection of the tumor may confirm a DMG diagnosis.
How is a diffuse midline glioma (DMG) treated?
DMGs can be challenging to treat because of their location in the central nervous system. Depending on your child’s individual situation, a neurosurgeon may remove as much as the tumor as possible without affecting nearby areas of the brain and nervous system, which could result in loss of function and other side effects. At Boston Children’s, a neuropathologist will comprehensively molecularly analyze the portion of tumor that has been surgically biopsied.
Based on the pathology results, we will make treatment recommendation for your child. These may include:
Diffuse Midline Glioma | Research & Innovation
Access to clinical trials
The Brain Tumor Center runs several DMG-specific clinical trials through major research groups (such as PNOC, CONNECT, COG, and PBTC), and also has investigator-driven clinical trials designed and conducted by our own physicians and physician-scientists. Your child’s physician will discuss eligibility with you.
