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Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staffThere's no clear definition of chemo brain, so no tests exist to diagnose this condition. Cancer survivors who experience these symptoms often score in normal ranges on memory tests.
Your doctor may recommend blood tests, brain scans or other tests to rule out other causes of memory problems. But if no apparent cause can be found for your symptoms, your doctor may refer you to a specialist who can help you cope with memory changes.
- Vardy J, et al. Cognitive function after chemotherapy in adults with solid tumors. Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology. 2007;63(3):183-202.
- Vardy J, et al. Evaluation of cognitive function associated with chemotherapy: A review of published studies and recommendations for future research. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2007;25(17):2455-2463.
- Definition of a neuropsychologist. National Academy of Neuropsychology. http://www.nanonline.org/NAN/PAIC/PositionPapers/DefinitionofaNeuropsychologist.aspx. Accessed Aug. 28, 2008.
- Vardy J, et al. Cancer and cancer-therapy related cognitive dysfunction: An international perspective from the Venice cognitive workshop. Annals of Oncology. 2008;19(4):623-629.
- Taillibert S, et al. Chemobrain: Is systemic chemotherapy neurotoxic? Current Opinion in Oncology. 2007;19(6):623-627.
- Hurria A, et al. Renaming "chemobrain." Cancer Investigation. 2007;25(6):373-377.
- Cognitive problems after chemotherapy. CancerCare. http://www.cancercare.org/pdf/fact_sheets/fs_chemobrain_cognitive.pdf. Accessed Aug. 28, 2008.
- Doctor, can we talk about chemobrain? CancerCare. http://www.cancercare.org/pdf/fact_sheets/fs_chemobrain_doctor_talk.pdf. Accessed Aug. 28, 2008.
- Ways to improve concentration: Three key steps. CancerCare. http://www.cancercare.org/pdf/fact_sheets/fs_chemobrain_concentration.pdf. Accessed Aug. 28, 2008.
- Combating chemobrain: Keeping your memory sharp. CancerCare. http://www.cancercare.org/pdf/fact_sheets/fs_chemobrain_memory.pdf. Accessed Aug. 28, 2008.
- Cognitive changes. Lance Armstrong Foundation. http://www.livestrong.org/site/c.khLXK1PxHmF/b.2660693/k.2D96/Physical_Effects_Cognitive_Changes.htm. Accessed Aug. 25, 2008.
- Cognitive problems. Cancer.Net. http://www.asco.org/patient/Diagnosis+and+Treatment/Treating+Cancer/Managing+Side+Effects/Cognitive+Problems. Accessed Aug. 25, 2008.
- Ginkgo. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed Aug. 28, 2008.
- Vitamin E. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed Aug. 28, 2008.
- Brown PD, et al. Neurocognitive effects. In: DeVita TJ, et al. Cancer Principles & Practice of Oncology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2008:2751-2756.
- Ganz PA. Cancer Survivorship. New York, N.Y.: Springer; 2007:59-60.
- Ferguson RJ, et al. Management of chemotherapy-related cognitive dysfunction. In: Feuerstein M. Handbook of Cancer Survivorship. New York, NY: Springer; 2007:287-301.
- Moynihan TJ (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 9, 2008.
- Creagan ET (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 11, 2008.
