Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 10/22/2008

Question
Hello dr,

My mom has a grade 2 astrocytoma and has finished 32 rounds of radiation last aug (2007). She had an MRI in Jan (2008) which showed the tumor stable. The doc told to have another MRI in 6 months.
She was having occasional loss of balance so we consulted her doc, and the doc gave her tablets "CITINOVA"..I doubt if you know what these tabs are for because this medicine is from India. I researched on the inernet and it says it is a cerbral activator. Her doc told us that it is for good blood circulation.

As soon as my mom started taking these tabs she became very weak and is walking very slowly - not with her usual speed.
My question:

1)Is it because of this medicine that she has become very weak
2)she had low sugar level about 85,one week prior to taking these tabs. is it because of this she has no energy left?
3) Or is it a sign that the tumor is growing fast?

Thankyou ,
Pallavi

Answer
If her astrocytoma is indeed a grade 2 tumour it should grow quite slowly so there should be no immediate change from it. Low blood sugar is, if she is eating properly, probably just a temporary thing and since this change came when she started to take this medicine (of which I indeed know nothing) it is at present the primary suspected villain. I do suggest that you test that by letting her stop taking that medicine for a little while. If she quickly recovers it is even more probable that it is that medicine. Good luck!