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Celebrities with Previous Spinal or Brain Injuries: John McCain

John McCain was a famous Vietnam War veteran as well as six-term US Senator for the state of Arizona. In addition, he also ran as the Republican nominee for the 2008 presidential election.

John McCain was known for being a maverick politician meaning he had firm beliefs, a quick temper and a willingness to work with the media and public.

Toward the end of McCain’s long, successful political career, it was revealed that John McCain was diagnosed with an aggressive, malignant brain tumor known as a glioblastoma.

Glioblastoma is an aggressive type of cancer that forms in the brain and spinal cord. The survival rate after diagnosis ranges from 9 months to several years. Diagnosis usually is made by imaging studies and surgical removal or biopsy.

The symptoms of glioblastoma include seizures, severe headaches, personality changes, nausea, vomiting, speech impairment, visual problems and weakness on one side of the body. Most headaches are not indicative of a brain tumor.

The treatment of glioblastoma consists of chemotherapy, radiation, targeted drug testing, and surgical removal.

Unfortunately, in August 2018, John McCain announced he would forego further treatment for the cancer and passed away on August 25 at the age of 81.

Kuether Brain and Spine hopes no one has to experience brain cancer, as it is a stressful and deadly disease.

Early detection and aggressive treatment plans can be effective in defeating some types of brain cancer.

Researchers and the medical community are actively pursuing additional treatments for all forms of brain cancer, particularly glioblastoma.