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Are Headache, Poor Concentration And Short-term Memory Symptoms Of Meningioma Brain Tumour?

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Posted on Mon, 10 Aug 2015
Question: Hi,
I have had an MRI done and the doctor said that the radiologist thinks no action needs to be taken. I have been back and fourth to optometrists, Opthalmologists, physios and even seeked mental health due to my symptoms being loss of long sighted vision, eye floaters, oily visual appearance, headaches - dull, loss of short term memory, lack of concentration, mood swings, extreme back pains with pinching/loss of strength in arms/excessive tensions and knots, and focus issues.
They have told me I have a Meningioma Brain Tumour but that the radiologist doesn't think it can be the cause. It doesnt make sense how they can make that finding and what else could be giving me major issues???
I have my scan photos.....but do i take this info and do nothing?
I have 3 young daughters all under 5yo and a hubby, I'm scared not just for me but for my family.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dariush Saghafi (29 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
The finding of meningioma is typically a benign entity

Detailed Answer:
Good evening. My name is Dr. Saghafi and I am an adult neurologist.

In my experience, generally speaking meningiomas which are small to medium size and are found incidentally do not cause symptoms in the minimum # of people affected. Usually, they are found on autopsy in patients who never had any problems during life. However, when they do cause symptoms, headaches, lack of concentration, short term memory, and other symptoms you've mentioned can be seen.

I don't see how the radiologist has MORE place than the NEUROLOGIST to make the decision that the meningioma "CAN'T BE THE CAUSE?" The radiologist's job is to read abnormal images and to the extent that clinical symptoms are provided to him/her ahead of the scan make some comments on the relevance of any radiographic findings given certain clinical situations.

I do believe that some of your symptoms are likely attributable to the tumor which may or may not be easily removable. Nevertheless, I think that if the neurologist can make a good case for why at least SOME of the symptoms can be attributable to the meningioma then, I would believe his word over the radiologist who is really making the call for the neurologist.

You can always get another opinion from a neurologist as well as starting to look for a NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGIST to verify your eye symptoms and movement issues.

You do have to be a little careful because there are some very "strategically" placed meningiomas in places where at least some of the symptoms can be produced.

No need for fear....what you need is good advice on whether to intervene and remove it or leave it well enough alone for the time being except for scheduling repear appointments.

I believe I would try and secure a neuro-ophthalmologist for a 2nd opinion on your eye symptoms and then, seek out another neurosurgical opinion to see if they concur that NOTHING surgical would be of reasonable benefit.

My opinion on your situation is that you obtain more opinions and then, work to weigh the pros and cons finally sticking to YOUNGER participants in order to help thread decisions like this one for when the time is right.

I hope this answer satisfactorily addresses your question. If so, may I ask your favor of a HIGH STAR RATING with some written feedback?

Also, if there are no other questions or comments, may I ask you CLOSE THE QUERY on your end so this question can be transacted and archived for further reference by colleagues as necessary?

Please direct more comments or inquiries to me in the future at:

bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi

I would be honored to answer you quickly and comprehensively.

Please keep me informed as to the outcome of your situation.
All the best.

The query has required a total of 18 minutes of physician specific time to read, research, and compile a return envoy to the patient.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dariush Saghafi

Neurologist

Practicing since :1988

Answered : 2472 Questions

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Are Headache, Poor Concentration And Short-term Memory Symptoms Of Meningioma Brain Tumour?

Brief Answer: The finding of meningioma is typically a benign entity Detailed Answer: Good evening. My name is Dr. Saghafi and I am an adult neurologist. In my experience, generally speaking meningiomas which are small to medium size and are found incidentally do not cause symptoms in the minimum # of people affected. Usually, they are found on autopsy in patients who never had any problems during life. However, when they do cause symptoms, headaches, lack of concentration, short term memory, and other symptoms you've mentioned can be seen. I don't see how the radiologist has MORE place than the NEUROLOGIST to make the decision that the meningioma "CAN'T BE THE CAUSE?" The radiologist's job is to read abnormal images and to the extent that clinical symptoms are provided to him/her ahead of the scan make some comments on the relevance of any radiographic findings given certain clinical situations. I do believe that some of your symptoms are likely attributable to the tumor which may or may not be easily removable. Nevertheless, I think that if the neurologist can make a good case for why at least SOME of the symptoms can be attributable to the meningioma then, I would believe his word over the radiologist who is really making the call for the neurologist. You can always get another opinion from a neurologist as well as starting to look for a NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGIST to verify your eye symptoms and movement issues. You do have to be a little careful because there are some very "strategically" placed meningiomas in places where at least some of the symptoms can be produced. No need for fear....what you need is good advice on whether to intervene and remove it or leave it well enough alone for the time being except for scheduling repear appointments. I believe I would try and secure a neuro-ophthalmologist for a 2nd opinion on your eye symptoms and then, seek out another neurosurgical opinion to see if they concur that NOTHING surgical would be of reasonable benefit. My opinion on your situation is that you obtain more opinions and then, work to weigh the pros and cons finally sticking to YOUNGER participants in order to help thread decisions like this one for when the time is right. I hope this answer satisfactorily addresses your question. If so, may I ask your favor of a HIGH STAR RATING with some written feedback? Also, if there are no other questions or comments, may I ask you CLOSE THE QUERY on your end so this question can be transacted and archived for further reference by colleagues as necessary? Please direct more comments or inquiries to me in the future at: bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi I would be honored to answer you quickly and comprehensively. Please keep me informed as to the outcome of your situation. All the best. The query has required a total of 18 minutes of physician specific time to read, research, and compile a return envoy to the patient.