What is it?
A meningioma is a benign (non-cancerous) brain tumour is a mass of cells that grows relatively slowly in the brain. It arises from the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Meningiomas tend to stay in one place and don’t spread. It won’t usually come back if all of the tumour can be safely removed during surgery.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms usually depend on how big it is and where it is in the brain. Some slow-growing tumours may not cause any symptoms at first hearing loss.
Common symptoms include:
- Changes in vision.
- New, persistent headaches.
- Seizures (epileptic fits).
- Persistent nausea, vomiting and drowsiness.
- Mental or behavioural changes, such as changes in personality.
- Weakness or paralysis.
- Speech problems.
- Hearing loss.
What to expect?
Things you can discuss with your doctor if you have been diagnosed with a meningioma:
- Does the meningioma explain you symptoms? Keep in mind that a lot of (small) meningioma’s do not cause any symptoms and do not require treatment.
- What treatment options do you have? Which one is best suited for you?