Meningioma: Symptoms, Risks And Treatments | Dr. Pramod Chaurasia

 What Is A Meningioma? 

Meningioma is a special kind of tumor that occurs in the membranes surrounding the brain and the spinal cord. 

They are usually non-cancerous tumors or benign. There is only a 15% to 20% chance that a meningioma can be malignant. 

What Are The Symptoms Of Having A Meningioma? 

The symptoms depend on the size of the tumor. Depending on size, the patient can experience 

·        Changes in vision 

·        Headache

·        Swelling if the optic disk

·        Unequal pupils 

·        Coordination problem

·        Hearing loss

·        Fever 

·        Seizures.

Symptoms depend on the size and exact position of a meningioma. 

Is Meningioma Dangerous? 

It is a very slow-growing benign and often takes years to grow. The patient can feel no symptoms or inconvenience for years. Small meningiomas may not show any signs or symptoms. You can consider Dr. Pramod Chaurasia as he is one of the best neurologists in the country.

But it can be dangerous sometimes. 

·        It can affect nearby brain tissues end nerves

·        It can cause pressure on the nervous system causing serious disabilities

·        If left untreated, it can cause continuous severe headaches (pressure type pain), nausea, and weakness. 

·        It can cause loss of neurological functions

·        It can eventually cause coordination disorders

·        One can experience hearing and vision problems

·        If left untreated, one can experience numbness in one side of the body.

These are the most common types of central nervous system tumors. Though it doesn't require immediate treatment, one should consult the doctor after coming across the symptoms. The size of a growing benign Meningioma can cause several issues. 

What Are The Treatments Of Meningioma? 

Both surgery and radiation can be applied to a Meningioma, but usually, doctors suggest radiation therapy as the surgery has several risk factors. 

Doctors have to check the size of the Meningioma before prescribing surgery, as there is a one-centimeter margin around the tumor for surgery. That's why knowing the size is important.

If we talk about surgery, both craniotomy (Brain surgery where a piece of skull jas to be removed) and Microsurgery (Surgery through very small blood vessels by using a microscope) can be done. There are several risk factors of surgery, such as unstoppable bleeding, damage to nearby normal brain tissues, bleeding, leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), severe infection among brain tissues, etc. There are also more complicated risks such as Temporary accumulation of fluid in the brain (cerebral edema). 

Though the success rate is quite high, doctors usually prescribe radiation therapy for this. 

How Long Does It Take To Recover From A Meningioma Surgery? 

It usually takes something between 4 to 6 weeks to recover from a meningioma surgery. It depends on the complications of the surgery and the size of the tumor. Many people can recover between 2 to 4 weeks after the surgery and even get back to work. Make sure to follow the doctor’s words. Usually, patients recover fast if get expert guidance as Dr. Pramod Chaurasia, the top neurosurgeon gives to his patients.

Can Meningioma Regrow After Surgery? 

It is important to remove the meningioma tumor completely. If not removed completely, there is a high chance that the tumor can regrow in the same location again within 10 to 20 years. It happens because of the remaining tumor cells in the brain.