meningioma surgery

My dad is a 67 year old male who was diagnosed with a brain tumor in Oct/10.  The diagnosis was initially made after he had a partial seizure.  The tumour was 6 1/2 cm and in the right frontal lobe.  Since then he underwent surgery, which was successful.  The entire tumour was resected and it was found to be a type 2 meningioma.  It has been 2 month since my dad's surgery.  He had a severe rash which the dermatologist felt was related to the dilantin.  He was subsequently switched to clobazam, another seizure med.  We have noted many changes in him including the following: behavioral changes/irritability, extreme lethargy/sleepiness, some visual changes, slurred speech, delayed processing of auditory information, word retrieval difficulties.  Any idea if these are caused by the clobozam or are these typically post surgery symptoms?  Also, we are meeting with the surgeon for follow up in a few days.   What is the typically follow-up recommendation(s) for individuals with this type of a tumor.

[Christopher R Newey, DO]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with a doctor.

Without the ability to examine and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of the symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

I am not a neurosurgeon and am unable to answer questions regarding tumor follow up. With regards to the clobazam, the most common side effect is drowsiness and dizziness. Confusion, fatigue, slurred speech, and behavioral changes can also be seen in people on this medication. It is important that your husband follows up with his neurosurgeon to ensure that the symptoms are not related to the meningioma before attributing them to the medication.

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.