A Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) is a tumor located in the pons (middle) of the brain stem. The brain stem is the bottom most portion of the brain, connecting the cerebrum with the spinal cord.
DIPG’s are usually diagnosed in children aged 5 to 10. They are difficult to treat because the tumor cells grow in between and around normal cells. It is impossible to remove a tumor in this area because it interferes with the functioning of this critical area of the brain.
* Clumsiness or wobbliness in walking
* Loss of balance
* Weakness of a leg and/or arm
* Double vision
* Headaches
* Nausea and vomiting
* Tilting of the head
* Facial weakness
* Unusual sleepiness or change in energy level