Symptoms of DIPG/DMG

Symptoms of Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma and Diffuse Midline Glioma typically present for approximately 1 month before diagnosis, but subtle symptoms may be present for up to 6 months prior to diagnosis. Because of their location in the brainstem, as they grow, DIPGs cause pressure on the cranial nerves that originate in the pons. These nerves control muscles used to move the eyes and the face, and to chew and swallow. Additionally, a related condition called hydrocephalus (the build-up of fluid in the brain) also increases pressure inside the skull.

The DIPG/DMG tumor itself, and especially in combination with hydrocephalus, can cause the following symptoms:

Double vision
Difficulty in controlling eye and eyelid movement, and facial expression
Difficulty chewing and swallowing
Difficulty speaking
Difficulty urinating
Weakness in the arms and legs
Loss of balance
Difficulty walking
Clumsiness
Headaches (especially in the morning)
Nausea and vomiting
Fatigue

Because of the aggressive nature of DIPGs and the rate at which they grow, symptoms usually get worse quickly.