Diagnosed with a Brain Tumor? Be Smart About Your Next Move

Dr. Brian Beyerl, a neurosurgeon and patient advocate at Atlantic Brain and Spine, shares essential steps for navigating your diagnosis with confidence.

Dr. Brian Beyerl, a neurosurgeon and patient advocate at Atlantic Brain and Spine, shares essential steps for navigating your diagnosis with confidence.

Every year, around 24,000 primary brain tumors are diagnosed in the U.S. The words “you have a brain tumor” can feel paralyzing — but your next steps matter. Having a plan, a team, and the right information can make all the difference.

“A diagnosis like this sends people into panic mode,” says Dr. Brian Beyerl, a brain tumor specialist and Patient and Family Advocate at Atlantic Brain and Spine. “When you learn your symptoms — headaches, nausea, seizures — are caused by a tumor, it’s hard to know what to do next.”

With decades of experience as a neurosurgeon, Dr. Beyerl now focuses on helping patients and families understand their options, ask the right questions, and advocate for the care they deserve.

First things first: No two brain tumors are the same.

Some are benign, others aggressive. Some require immediate surgery, while others respond well to less invasive treatment. Regardless of the diagnosis, you need to be informed and proactive.

Dr. Beyerl’s Five Essential Tips for Navigating a New Brain Tumor Diagnosis:

1. Start with the Right Imaging — Not Just Any Imaging

CT scans are a common starting point, but they often lack detail.

To guide treatment decisions, ask your doctor for a contrast MRI — it offers a clearer, more complete view of what’s happening in your brain. “CT alone can miss key details. Don’t make decisions without an MRI,” Dr. Beyerl advises.

2. Know Your Options — Especially Minimally Invasive Ones

Treatment plans vary. Some tumors require open surgery, others respond to radiation or targeted therapies. Ask about options like minimally invasive surgery or non-invasive treatments like CyberKnife — they can mean faster recovery and fewer complications.

The more informed you are, the more empowered you’ll be.

3. Prioritize Multidisciplinary Care

The most effective brain tumor treatment involves more than one specialist.

Look for a center that brings together neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists, radiation oncologists, and supportive care providers. This team-based approach ensures every aspect of your care is coordinated, comprehensive, and personalized.

4. Have Real Conversations About Risk and Recovery

Don’t be afraid to ask hard questions:

• Will I regain full function?
• What are the short- and long-term side effects?
• What does follow-up care look like?

Understanding the road ahead reduces anxiety and helps you plan for what’s next.

5. Choose a Surgeon — and a Team — You Trust

Credentials and experience matter. But so does compassion.
Find a neurosurgeon who listens, communicates clearly, and treats you as a partner — not just a patient.

“I’ve walked this road with hundreds of families,” Dr. Beyerl says. “Having someone to guide you through it — who’s been there, and still shows up for you — is invaluable.”

Final Thought:

A brain tumor diagnosis may feel overwhelming — but you’re not alone.
With expert guidance, the right questions, and a supportive team, you can move forward with confidence, clarity, and hope.