Optic Nerve Gliomas in Children

What is an optic nerve glioma?

Optic nerve gliomas are found in or around the nerves that send messages from the eyes to the brain. They are frequently found in persons who have neurofibromatosis, a condition a child is born with that makes him/her more likely to develop tumors in the brain.

Persons usually experience loss of vision, as well as hormone problems, since these tumors are usually located at the base of the brain where hormonal control is located and arise (begin) from the optic nerve. These are typically difficult to treat due to the surrounding sensitive brain structures.

Symptoms of brain tumors in the optic nerve may include:

• headaches
• visual changes or double vision
• clumsy, uncoordinated walk

The symptoms of a brain tumor may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.

To make an appointment or request a consultation, contact the Johns Hopkins Pediatric Brain Tumor Center at 410-955-7337.