Ependymoma

Giloma

What is Ependymoma?

An ependymoma is a type of brain tumour which falls under the umbrella term of gliomas. These tumours develop in the glial cells which are found in the brain and spinal cord.

Ependymoma develops in the type of glial cell called an ependymal cell.

What causes ependymoma?

The cause of ependymoma is unknown. However, research believes it may be due to an inherited genetic condition called neurofibromatosis type 2. ependymoma accounts for around 2% of all brain tumours.

Recovery from ependymoma depends on the type of grade the tumour is and how the person responds to treatment.

What are the symptoms of ependymoma?

Symptoms of ependymoma include:

  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Seizures
  • Changes in personality
  • Sight problems
  • Balance and coordination issues.

Are you affected by ependymoma?

If you’re affected by ependymoma The Brain Charity can support you.

We are the only charity in the UK to be here for every one of the more than 600 different neurological conditions in existence. Individually, many are rare, but combined, they affect 1 in 6 people.

We provide practical help on all aspects of living with ependymoma , emotional support such as counselling, phone befriending and group therapy and social activities to people with ependymoma from all over the UK from our centre in Liverpool.

Looking to talk to someone?

Woman smiling, making eye contact and holding the hand of another woman to comfort her

Phone us

Contact The Brain Charity now

Our friendly Information & Advice Officers are here to help. We endeavour to respond to all enquiries within 10 working days.

0151 298 2999

Looking to talk to someone?

  • Please tell us which neurological condition you are affected by and what you need support with.

Caring for someone affected by ependymoma

We support carers, friends and family too

Are you a carer for or relative of someone with ependymoma? It’s just as important for you to look after your own physical and mental wellbeing too.

The Brain Charity provides free support for carers, friends and family of people with any form of neurological condition, including ependymoma, from anywhere in the UK.

We also run an additional carers advocacy service for all carers in Liverpool, regardless of which type of condition the person they care for has.

You don’t need to be a formal or registered carer

We can help you even if you don’t view yourself as a formal carer or claim Carer’s Allowance. Find out some of the ways we support carers below.

Carer support from The Brain Charity in Liverpool Practical help

Support for carers

All The Brain Charity's services are free for carers and family members of people with neurological conditions too.
Get help
Socialising at The Brain Charity Emotional support

Helping carers plan for the future

The Brain Charity is helping carers take care now and look to the future.
Get help
View all

Other resources

The Brain Charity’s library

The Brain Charity’s free public library has a range of resources on Ependymoma and on many other disability-related issues. 

Visit our library to read:

or search the catalogue online here.

Support groups

The Brain Trust

Join The Brain Trust’s Adult Ependymoma Support Group.

Support groups at The Brain Charity

Are you interested in setting up a ependymoma support group, or do you already run one?

Email activities@thebraincharity.org.uk to let us know.

Alternatively, you can check out our list of related support groups here.

Other charities

The Brain Tumour Charity

Website: www.thebraintumourcharity.org

Helpline: 0808 800 0004

Email: support@thebraintumourcharity.org

Cancer Research UK

Website: www.cancerresearchuk.org

Helpline: 0808 800 4040

Macmillan Cancer support

Website: www.macmillan.org.uk

Helpline: 0808 808 0000