Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is an aggressive brain tumor that primarily affects children between the ages of 5 and 9. DIPG affects the pons, a group of nerves at the base of the brainstem which control vital functions such as breathing, sleeping, and communication. This difficult location makes DIPG inoperable in most cases. Instead, radiation is offered as a conventional treatment, and chemotherapy serves as an experimental option. Symptoms of DIPG include:
Slurred speech
- Headaches
- Unusual eye movements
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Trouble with balance
- Weakness of the extremities
- Loss of coordination