Symptoms of Meningioma

Meningiomas don’t always cause any symptoms at all — many are discovered incidentally, during an MRI or CT scan done for another reason (such as after an injury or accident). If the tumor is not causing symptoms and does not show signs of growth on a follow-up scan, it may not need to be treated at all.

When a meningioma does cause symptoms, the location of the tumor affects what those symptoms are. Since the symptoms usually become apparent when the meningioma presses against the brain, nerves, and blood vessels below it, the symptoms can vary depending on what brain structures are being compressed.  Depending on its location, a meningioma may cause:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Seizures
• Weakness or numbness in the limbs or face
• Visual problems
• Changes in mood or personality

Most people with headaches and nausea do not have brain tumors, of course, but anyone with neurological symptoms like those listed above should be evaluated by a physician. Suspected or confirmed brain tumors should be referred to a neurosurgeon for evaluation (see Doctors Who Treat Meningioma).

Request an Appointment | Refer a Patient