Meningiomas or surface brain tumors are the second most common primary tumors affecting the central nervous system. Meningiomas grow from cells of the middle layer of the meninges (the three membranes enveloping and protecting the brain and spinal cord). They often are found at the surface of the brain near the top of the head, at the base of the skull, and along the spinal cord.

Symptoms

Meningiomas grow very slowly and conform to the space around them, often going undetected for years. However, this also means they may grow to be very large before causing any noticeable symptoms. Symptoms eventually occur when a tumor puts pressure on brain tissue or other structures like the optic nerve (which controls sight) or important veins that allow blood to flow within the brain.

Common symptoms include:

Headache
Nausea and/or vomiting
Seizures
Muscle weakness
Loss of movement or sensation in a specific area
Confusion
Changes in mood and sleep
Vision problems like blurriness or double-vision
Hearing loss
Slurred speech

Diagnosis

Imaging Studies
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
Neurovascular Angiography