What is glioblastoma?

Glioblastoma, also called GBM, is a fast-growing type of central nervous system tumour that usually occurs in adults and affects the brain more often than the spinal cord. It is also known as glioblastoma multiforme or grade IV astrocytoma.

Because glioblastoma affects the brain, it can lead to changes in movement, strength, balance, coordination, communication, swallowing, cognition and day-to-day function. Symptoms can vary depending on where the tumour is located and how it is affecting the brain. Common brain tumour symptoms can include headaches, seizures, nausea, vision changes, speech problems, weakness and balance difficulties.

How glioblastoma may affect daily function

Glioblastoma affects each person differently, but it may impact:

• walking and mobility

• balance and coordination

• strength and endurance

• fatigue and reduced activity tolerance

• transfers and everyday movement

• self-care and daily routines

• communication and cognitive-communication

• swallowing and mealtime safety in some cases

• independence at home and in the community

The impact can also change over time, particularly during or after surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or other medical treatment. Support often needs to reflect the person’s current presentation, energy levels and goals.

How Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health may help

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy may support adults with glioblastoma where there are goals related to mobility, balance, transfers, strength, endurance, falls risk, posture or physical participation. Depending on the person’s needs, physiotherapy may include:

• walking and mobility support

• balance and falls prevention strategies

• transfer practice and functional movement training

• strength and movement-based support

• fatigue-aware rehabilitation

• mobility aid input where clinically appropriate
  
  

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy may help when glioblastoma is affecting daily living, self-care, routines, home function, fatigue management, cognition-related function, equipment needs or independence. OT may include:

• self-care and daily routine support

• practical fatigue management strategies

• environmental adaptations

• home safety recommendations

• equipment or assistive technology suggestions

• support for participation in meaningful daily activities
  
  

Speech Pathology

Speech pathology may be highly relevant where glioblastoma affects speech, language, communication, cognitive-communication, feeding or swallowing. Some people with brain tumours may have difficulty finding words, physically producing speech, understanding language, or swallowing safely.

Exercise Physiology

Exercise physiology may be appropriate for some people living with glioblastoma who need carefully tailored support with strength, conditioning, physical activity participation or endurance, where exercise is appropriate within the broader medical context. Programs should always reflect the person’s presentation, treatment stage and tolerance.

Our approach

At Palms, we take a function-focused, person-centred approach. That means we look at how glioblastoma is affecting the person in real life and what practical support may help most at that point in time. Therapy may focus on:

moving more safely and confidently

supporting everyday independence

managing fatigue and reduced stamina

maintaining strength and physical function

helping with communication or swallowing needs

supporting comfort and participation in daily routines

We also recognise that support often works best when it is coordinated with the person’s family, carers, medical team and broader supports where appropriate.

FAQ

What is glioblastoma?

Glioblastoma, or GBM, is a fast-growing central nervous system tumour that usually occurs in adults and affects the brain more often than the spinal cord.

Is glioblastoma a brain tumour?

Yes. Glioblastoma is a type of brain tumour and is considered a malignant central nervous system tumour.

Can glioblastoma affect walking and balance?

Yes. Depending on the location of the tumour and its treatment effects, glioblastoma may affect walking, balance, coordination and general mobility.

Can physiotherapy help with glioblastoma?

Physiotherapy may help support mobility, balance, strength, transfers, falls prevention and physical function for people living with glioblastoma. Support should be tailored to the person’s needs, goals and medical context.

Can occupational therapy help with glioblastoma?

Yes. Occupational therapy may assist with daily living, fatigue management, home function, equipment, safety and everyday independence.

Can glioblastoma affect speech or swallowing?

It can. Depending on the location of the tumour and how it affects the brain, glioblastoma may affect speech, language, cognition or swallowing, which may make speech pathology input relevant.

Is allied health a treatment for glioblastoma itself?

No. Glioblastoma requires specialist medical treatment and management. Allied health does not treat the tumour itself, but it may support the person’s function, safety, communication, mobility and day-to-day quality of life during treatment and recovery.

When should someone with glioblastoma see allied health?

Allied health may be worth considering when glioblastoma is affecting mobility, balance, strength, fatigue, daily living, communication, swallowing or independence.

If you or your family member is living with glioblastoma and would like support with mobility, daily function, fatigue, communication or swallowing, our team can discuss whether physiotherapy or allied health input may be appropriate for your needs. 

Please visit these other websites for further information:

Brain Cancer Australia – Provides information, support, and advocacy for individuals affected by brain cancer, including Glioblastoma.

https://www.braincanceraustralia.org

Cancer Council Australia – Offers resources and support for people affected by cancer, including guides specific to brain tumors.

https://www.cancer.org.au

Brain Foundation Australia – A national organization providing information on brain conditions, including Glioblastoma and research funding.

https://brainfoundation.org.au

Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital – Offers specialized services and information regarding brain tumor treatment and care.

https://metronorth.health.qld.gov.au/rbwh

Royal Melbourne Hospital – Provides resources and treatment options for brain tumor patients, including Glioblastoma.

https://www.royalmelbournehospital.org.au

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) – Provides statistics and information on various health conditions, including brain cancer.

https://www.aihw.gov.au

Neurosurgical Society of Australasia – Offers professional information and resources regarding neurosurgery and brain conditions.

https://nsa.org.au

Healthdirect Australia – A government-funded service providing health information, including resources for Glioblastoma.

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au

Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre – Provides information and support for cancer survivors and their families.

https://www.cancer.org.au/survivorship

Griffith University: Brain Tumour Research – Research and resources related to brain tumors and their management.

https://www.griffith.edu.au

Important disclaimer: This webpage contains general information only and is not intended to be relied upon as personal clinical advice. While we aim to keep information accurate and up to date, it may not reflect the most current research or your individual circumstances. Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health does not accept liability for decisions made based on this information without an individualised assessment by an appropriately qualified health professional. If you have concerns, please contact us to book an assessment or speak with your GP/medical team.