Brain tumor growth/seizures

  Let me thank you for any light you can shed for me in advance.
  Over 4 years ago I was diagnosed with viral menigitis (meningitis) and I after
  alot of test I was found to have a low-grade glioma, confirmed with
  a cranionomy.  I have had daily h/a since I had menigitis (meningitis) and I am going to
  have a cryo?? done soon.  (freeze the nerves), I was told I had occiptal
  neurolgia.  I pray that this will be the end of the h/a's.  
  My question is, however, since the tumor has not shown any significant
  growth in the past 4 1/2 years and I am now having some twitching and full
  body jerks noticed mostly on the left side (tumor is on the rt parital lobe)
  I am wondering if that what I am experiencing would contribute to the tumor
  growing?  I had an MRI in June 98 no significant change and an EEG which came
  out negative, but was stated that I have a tendency toward seizures.  There
  was one jump during the test.  I also am curious as what is the history behind
  the low-grade glioma, specifically, how long does it take before it actually
  starts growing.  I've been told I could eventually become paralyzed on the left
  side.  I just am wondering how long?  Thanks
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Thanks for the question. You state that the craniotomy was done and you were diagnosed with a low grade glioma. Did they remove the tumor or just take a biopsy? Gliomas come in different types and depending on the specific type your prognosis can vary. The most common form is an astrocytoma, followed by an oligodendroglioma. In the long term the oligos are more responsive to treatment with chemotherapy so the distinction can can important. We are not sure of the best treatment for low grade gliomas and that is why a new study has just started up looking at treatment versus wait and watch which is what you have beed doing. The study is through RTOG and you can talk to your neuro-oncologist about the specifics. At our center in the past we have treated your type of tumor if you are having incresing neurologic symptoms or seizures that we can not control or the scan shows radiographic progression. It sounds like your scans have been stable. If your tumor is rright sided and your symptoms are left sided then you may indeed be having seizures but it does not mean that the tumor is growing but it does mean you need frequent follow-up. As you know these tumors tend to upgrade at some point but when that is we do not know. It sounds to me like you should speak alittle more to your physician about these issues. If you would like a referral to CCF call 216 444 5559. In terms of the HA - good luck and I hope the treatment helps.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your doctor regarding diagnstic and treatment options.