Questions posted in the
Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
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Subject: Re: Meningioma : My wife, 50 years old, has been diagnosed with a 5x6 mm cerebellopontine meningioma. About 6 months ago she had a few episodes of extreme vertigo. Her primary care physician referred her to an ENT specialist. She has some non-progressive hearing loss in her right ear, along with some some loss of tympanic reflex. While not suffering profound vertigo anymore, she has frequent (5-10 times a day) episodes of dizziness). The ENT specialist could not find a cause for the dizziness, so an MRI was performed with the above noted results. Her neurosurgeon has told us that he is uncertain if the tumor is causing the dizziness as it does not appear to be touching the 8th cranial nerve. He has more or less left it in our hands as to whether to have it removed, or to just monitor it. My wife would prefer to have it removed, but is scared of the convential surgery (craniotomy). The neurosurgeon says that her age rules her out for gamma knife surgery(lack of long term results, as to tumor regrowth).It this correct?
Thanks for the question Frank. As you know menigiomas are usually benign tumors that cause problems mostly related to compression. They are termed extra-axial tumors since they are outside the brain tissue and compress into it. Various tumors can present at the CP angle, menigiomas being one of them. Without tissue you end up treating empirically. We have treated CP angle menigiomas the size of your wifes at her age. Some surgeons recommend not treating acoustic neuromas in patients less than 50 yrs of age. If you would like a referral to CCF to discuss this with one of our neurosurgeons you can call 216 444 5670 and ask for an appointment with Dr. Barnett. This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic tests and treatment options of your specific medical condition. | |
