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C A S E O F T H E M O N T H
MENINGIOMA
A 55 year old school teacher presented with a two year history of headache, blurring of vision, and change in behavior. She became very talkative and difficult to reason with, acting like a spoiled young child. Her symptoms became worse in the past two months, prompting consult.
On examination, the patient was alert but very talkative. She was confused about certain things, and could not recognize some family members. Her vision was poor and she could not smell coffee on testing. MRI of the brain showed a large tumor in the frontal area of her brain, causing brain swelling and compression. The frontal area of the brain is responsible for logical thinking and personality, among other things. This is why the patient presented with confusion and change in behavior. Because the tumor was large and exerting pressure on the brain, surgery was recommended.
The patient underwent surgery for removal of the brain tumor. Biopsy results confirmed that it was a meningioma, a benign tumor arising from the dura, the outer covering of the brain. The patient made a good recovery and was discharged after a few days. Her behavioral changes gradually improved over the next few weeks, until she was almost back to her normal quiet self. Her vision also improved. Post-op MRI showed that the tumor had been completely removed.
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