Meningioma Surgery
About 30% of all brain tumors are meningiomas, a tumor that forms in the outer membranes or meninges between the brain and skull. While meningiomas can cause pressure on the brain and may need treatment or removal, 90% are benign and do respond well to treatment. Patients with a meningioma in the Reno or Carson City area in Nevada have access to exceptional neurosurgery treatment and meningioma surgery at Battle Born Brain and Spine.
Risk Factors and Meningioma Symptoms
The cause of meningioma tumors is not known, but there are risk factors. Women are three times as likely as men to have a meningioma and most meningioma develop in elderly patients 70 years of age or older. Patients who have received radiation therapy or have neurofibromatosis type 2 are also at higher risk. Symptoms of meningiomas differ depending on the type, but some of the most common symptoms include:
- Seizures
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Weakness in arms or legs
- Numbness
- Coordination issues or loss of balance
- Memory loss
- Hearing impairment
There are several different types of meningiomas, depending where in the meninges they occur. Types include: skull base, convexity, falcine, intraventricular, sphenoid wing, posterior fossa, olfactory groove and suprasellar meningiomas. Any meningioma can come back after removal or treatment, and these are referred to as recurrent meningiomas.
Meningioma Treatment
Meningioma surgery is the most common form of treatment if the tumor needs to be removed. Some small tumors that are not causing excess pressure on the brain may be left in place and closely observed, but if the meningioma is causing brain dysfunction, it usually will need removal. Craniotomy is a common meningioma surgery to remove the tumor through a small opening in the skull. Endoscopy is also an option, using an endoscope through the nasal passage to reach and remove the tumor.
Dr. Sina Rajamand at Battle Born Brain and Spine is one of the top neurosurgeons in the country. If you have symptoms of a meningioma or have been diagnosed with a meningioma and need treatment, contact our office in the Reno and Carson City area. Dr. Rajamand specializes in minimally-invasive neurosurgery and offers meningioma surgery and treatment through our practice.