Delayed effects of therapeutic brain irradiation.

Brain irradiation, although therapeutic in nature, has undesirable effects in a small number of patients. Radiation encephalopathy and radiation necrosis may occur as late responses. Radiation also may cause cognitive deficits, visual loss, and hypothalamic-pituitary suppression. The nurse who is knowledgeable about potential delayed effects of brain irradiation is able to provide individualized care and patient and family education.