What are the chances of multiple myeloma affecting the brain, and what are the symptoms?
It's very rare for multiple myeloma to directly reach the brain. Only about 0.7 percent of people with myeloma develop problems from cancer cells spreading to the brain itself.
However, myeloma can still cause brain-related symptoms Show Full Answer
What are the chances of multiple myeloma affecting the brain, and what are the symptoms?
It's very rare for multiple myeloma to directly reach the brain. Only about 0.7 percent of people with myeloma develop problems from cancer cells spreading to the brain itself.
However, myeloma can still cause brain-related symptoms in other ways, even without direct brain involvement. The symptoms you're experiencing—forgetfulness, blurred vision, increased sleeping, and fatigue—can be connected to myeloma through several mechanisms.
Here are common ways myeloma affects cognitive and neurological function:
- High calcium levels (hypercalcemia) can cause confusion, memory issues, and fatigue
- Abnormal proteins in the blood can interfere with blood flow to the brain, leading to cognitive changes
- Anemia from myeloma causes severe fatigue, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating
- Treatment side effects like "chemo brain" can affect memory and concentration
- Depression and anxiety related to living with myeloma can cause irritability, fatigue, and sleep changes
Blurred or double vision can occur if abnormal proteins thicken the blood, reducing proper blood flow to the brain. Increased fatigue and sleeping more are extremely common with myeloma, affecting nearly 3 out of 4 people due to anemia.
It's important to discuss these symptoms with your oncologist right away. They can determine the specific cause and help manage them, whether through adjusting treatment, addressing anemia, or managing calcium levels.
February 7
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