Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Meningioma Brain Tumor Symptoms

Meningioma is a tumor in the lining of the brain or spinal cord (meninges), and can be cancerous or non-cancerous. Risk factors for meningioma include previous radiation treatments, being female and having neurofibromatosis type 2. The symptoms of meningioma may begin gradually and get worse as the tumor grows over a period of years, and depend on the size and location of the tumor.


Vision Changes


Meningioma that grows on the brain may cause vision problems, such as blurred or double vision or vision loss.








Hearing Loss


Hearing loss is a symptom of meningioma near the auditory nerves or the bones of the ear, and may be caused by compression of the space the bones of the ear need to move.


Headaches


According to the Mayo Clinic, meningioma can cause pressure and inflammation inside of the skull and result in headaches.


Seizures


Meningioma of the brain may cause seizures in people who have never before had a seizure or seizure disorder.


Mental Dysfunction


Meningiomas at the base of the skull can cause mental dysfunction, such as confusion and memory loss, that may worsen over time as the tumor grows.


Weakness


Weakness of the muscles in the arms and legs may be a symptom of meningioma of the spinal cord, according to the Mayo Clinic.


Features


According to the National Cancer Institute, meningiomas usually occur in adults, and in many cases do not require removal or treatment, due to their slow growth.

Tags: brain cause, Mayo Clinic, spinal cord, symptom meningioma, tumor grows