Cause
These are cell proliferations and uncontrolled growth in quantity and size of cells of the meninges. However, as with most tumors, the cause is unknown. In children who were irradiated because of another tumor disease, a higher risk of developing a meningioma was found. However, most meningiomas occur spontaneously. However, deletions (deletions) of genetic material have also been detected.
SymptomsComplaints
The complaints expressed by the patient depend very much on the exact location of the tumor. Usually, the symptoms begin with headaches that occur more frequently and become more severe. Epileptic seizures are also not uncommon.
Characteristic for the diseased persons are changes in their character (psychological changes), which are usually the result of questioning their relatives. These changes can manifest themselves in various ways. Patients find it difficult to enjoy anything, become increasingly aggressive and often show inadequate reactions (for example: laughter due to terrible news or at funerals).
Later on, loss of drive and apathy are added to the problem. They are no longer able to manage their household on their own, have difficulty or no chance to get out of bed in the morning and appear absent. Further symptoms are paralysis, especially of the legs, odour disturbances, visual disturbances (decreasing visual acuity, limitation of the visual field) or hearing loss.
Sensation and mobility may also be restricted. If the tumor lies in the spinal canal, i.e. where the spinal cord passes through, a spinal narrowing develops, which is medically known as spinal stenosis. This can even lead to paraplegia.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is made by taking the patient’s medical history, i.e. by interviewing the patient, but also the relatives, in order to determine the possible changes in character. Often an EEG (Electro-Enzaphalo-Gram) is carried out in order to identify the possible space requirement on the basis of the brain waves. An EEG is a harmless, non-invasive examination.
Electrodes, similar to ECG electrodes, are attached (glued) to the patient’s head and the brain waves are measured. However, the method of choice for diagnosing a meningioma is a CT (computed tomography) of the head. This examination is also initially harmless for the patient.Only the X-rays that are applied can be harmful in too high doses.
If necessary, CT (computer tomography) is also performed with the administration of contrast medium. This is injected into a vein of the patient. A meningioma can be distinguished from other brain tumors because the meningioma originates from the meninges and usually protrudes into the brain tissue.
Here, not only the tumor is detected, but also the edema (water retention) typical of every brain tumor. An MRI of the head (nuclear spin or magnetic resonance tomography), which provides more precise images than CT (computed tomography), can also be helpful for diagnosis. However, this examination is considerably more expensive and can only be performed if there are no contraindications (pacemakers, artificial heart valves). The existing magnetic field makes the examination dangerous for these persons.
