Medical management of cerebral metastases.

Brain edema, seizures, and venous thromboembolism are frequently encountered complications of cerebral metastases that result in increased morbidity and mortality. Effective medical management of these complications with steroids, anticonvulsants, and anticoagulants can result in symptomatic improvement and a better quality of life for these patients. However, these medical therapies should be administered only when indicated as each is associated with potentially serious toxicity.