"How to Treat Headaches Associated with Leukemia?"

Update Date: 2024-08-21 Source: Network

Headache in Leukemia: Causes, Treatments, and Precautions

Headache is a common symptom in leukemia, albeit not exclusive to the disease. When treating leukemia, it is essential to address the underlying condition through various therapeutic approaches, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, molecular targeted therapy, and stem cell transplantation. In cases of severe headache, prompt medical attention is advised.

1. Chemotherapy

Leukemia patients often experience headaches and other discomforts. For chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), chemotherapy drugs are administered to inhibit tumor cell proliferation and eliminate these cells. Beyond chemotherapy, symptomatic treatments are also provided, such as analgesics for unbearable headaches (e.g., acetaminophen codeine, diclofenac sodium with codeine). Acute leukemia, on the other hand, primarily relies on induction therapy using combination chemotherapy, commonly involving drugs like vincristine, asparaginase, and cyclophosphamide.

2. Immunotherapy

Since leukemia often arises from immune dysfunction, immunotherapy is administered using immunosuppressants like dexamethasone and methotrexate.

3. Molecular Targeted Therapy

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), such as imatinib and nilotinib, are targeted therapies suitable for patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive leukemia or those unresponsive to other treatments.

4. Stem Cell Transplantation

This treatment option is suitable for high-risk, relapsed, or refractory leukemia patients who have no evidence of leukemic clonality mutations in clinical trials and have unrestricted or unmatched donors. Post-chemotherapy, patients may experience immunosuppression, predisposing them to infections, fatigue, dizziness, and insomnia.

Daily Precautions for Leukemia Patients

To prevent infections, leukemia patients should maintain good hygiene, wash hands frequently, and keep their living spaces well-ventilated. Wearing masks when going out and avoiding crowded places are also recommended.