How to manage calcified meningioma symptoms?

Question

Hello doctor,

I was diagnosed with a 9 mm diffusely calcified meningioma and have been having symptoms such as dizziness, loss of balance, ringing in ears and more frequent headaches. I was told it was a big nothing. But I am not sure. Six months back I went to the ER (Emergency Room) with a pain in my head around right ear and back of the skull, no one could touch it or me. I had never experienced such pain.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have reviewed your CT scan, and it showed a meningioma of the right cerebropontine angle (attachment removed to protect patient identity). This tumor is small; however, if this causes you dizziness. The best way to approach it is to take medication like Betahistine 16 mg tablet twice a day. It is wiser to observe this tumor if it is not causing harm, like compression on the brainstem and cranial nerves.

Contemplating surgery is not a choice at this moment because it is not guaranteed that you will preserve your hearing after the surgery. Waiting for tumor growth outweighs surgery at this time, but if you are worried about it, you can seek to consult with a neurosurgeon and discuss gamma knife surgery, wherein it halts the progression of growth. This should help you as your guide.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

You are most welcome. It can be that you are losing hearing, so you have to work upon it by consulting an ENT (Otolaryngologist) and getting yourself a pure tone audiometry test. This would identify if you are losing hearing. If turns out to be good, then you are not losing it.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.