Meningioma

Meningiomas develop from the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord. They are usually benign, grow slowly and grow outside the brain and push onto it, not within the brain. They are most common in middle-aged and older women.

  • Symptoms: Common symptoms of meningioma include headache, nausea, vomiting, changes in vision, movement, or speech, seizures, and changes in mood, behaviour, or cognitive function (thinking). However, many meningiomas do not cause any symptoms and are discovered incidentally (such as on a CT scan after minor head trauma).
  • Diagnosis: A meningioma is usually first suspected on a CT and MRI scan of the brain. The diagnosis is confirmed by examination of tissue removed by surgery (biopsy).
  • Treatment: Treatment options for meningioma include observation with regular MRI scans, surgery or radiation therapy, or a combination of both. Treatment depends on the size, location, and symptoms of the tumour, as well as the age of the patient and their overall health.
  • Prognosis: Meningiomas are usually benign, slow-growing tumours with a good prognosis. In many cases, they can be completely removed with surgery and do not recur. Surgery can occasionally be difficult due to the location of the tumour near important structures in the brain, with changes in vision or hearing, difficulty with coordination, balance or movement, and problems with speech or cognitive function (thinking). In these cases, radiotherapy, including Gamma Knife Surgery may be recommended.
  • Coping: Living with a diagnosis of a meningioma can be emotionally and physically challenging, and patients and their family may benefit from support groups, counselling, or other forms of emotional support.


It is important to work closely with your healthcare team to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs and goals. The team will be able to provide you with more detailed information about your specific situation and help you understand what to expect.