Meningioma surgery removes or reduces tumors that develop in the meninges, the protective lining surrounding the brain and spinal cord. At Midwest Spine & Brain Institute, board-certified neurosurgeons use advanced imaging, microsurgical techniques, and minimally invasive technologies to safely treat symptomatic or growing meningiomas across Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
What Is a Meningioma?
A meningioma is a tumor that develops in the meninges, the thin membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Most meningiomas are benign (non-cancerous) and slow growing, but some can enlarge over time and place pressure on nearby brain tissue, nerves, or blood vessels.
Although many meningiomas grow slowly, larger tumors can affect neurological function and quality of life if left untreated.
Meningiomas may occur near:
- The skull base
- Frontal lobes
- Temporal lobes
- Optic nerves
- Brainstem
- Spinal cord
Related conditions may overlap with brain tumors, skull base tumors, and complex brain surgery.
Meningioma Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the tumor’s size, location, and pressure on surrounding structures.
Common meningioma symptoms include:
- Persistent headaches
- Vision changes or double vision
- Hearing loss
- Balance problems
- Memory difficulties
- Personality or cognitive changes
- Weakness or numbness
- Seizures
- Speech problems
Some tumors are discovered incidentally during MRI or CT scans performed for unrelated reasons.
Patients with worsening neurological symptoms should seek prompt evaluation by a neurosurgical specialist.
What Causes a Meningioma?
The exact cause of most meningiomas is unknown. However, several risk factors are associated with increased risk.
Risk Factors for Meningioma
- Increasing age
- Female sex
- Prior radiation exposure
- Genetic disorders such as neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2)
- Hormonal influences
- Family history of brain tumors
Most meningiomas are benign, but atypical or malignant variants can occur.
How Meningiomas Are Diagnosed
Accurate diagnosis is critical for determining whether monitoring, radiosurgery, or surgical removal is the best treatment approach.
Diagnostic Testing May Include:
Neurological Examination
A neurological exam evaluates:
- Vision
- Reflexes
- Strength
- Coordination
- Speech
- Cognitive function
MRI Scan
MRI with contrast is the gold standard imaging study for meningiomas and helps define:
- Tumor size
- Tumor location
- Brain compression
- Involvement of nearby nerves or vessels
CT Scan
CT imaging may help evaluate:
- Bone involvement
- Skull base anatomy
- Calcification within the tumor
Biopsy
In selected cases, tissue analysis confirms tumor type and grading.
Related imaging and surgical planning may involve craniotomy and brain tumor surgery evaluations.
Meningioma Treatment Options
Treatment depends on:
- Tumor size
- Tumor location
- Growth rate
- Symptoms
- Patient age and overall health
Observation (“Watchful Waiting”)
Small, slow-growing meningiomas without symptoms may only require:
- Periodic MRI scans
- Neurological monitoring
- Follow-up evaluations
Observation is often appropriate for incidental tumors that remain stable over time.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery
Focused radiation may be recommended for:
- Small tumors
- Residual tumor after surgery
- Tumors near sensitive brain structures
- Patients who are not surgical candidates
Advanced radiosurgical options may include:
Radiosurgery delivers highly targeted radiation while minimizing exposure to healthy tissue.
Meningioma Surgery
Surgery is commonly recommended for symptomatic, enlarging, or high-risk meningiomas.
How Meningioma Surgery Is Performed
Most procedures require a craniotomy, where a section of skull bone is temporarily removed to access the tumor.
During surgery, neurosurgeons aim to:
- Safely expose the tumor
- Preserve nearby brain tissue and nerves
- Remove as much tumor as safely possible
- Restore normal brain pressure and function
In some cases, a small portion of tumor may remain if complete removal would risk neurological injury.
Advanced surgical technologies may include:
- Intraoperative neuronavigation
- Operative microscopy
- Brain mapping
- Microsurgical dissection
- Neurophysiological monitoring
Complex tumors involving the skull base may require skull base surgery or craniofacial skull base surgery.
Benefits of Meningioma Surgery
Potential benefits include:
- Relief of headaches and neurological symptoms
- Reduced pressure on the brain
- Improved vision or balance
- Seizure reduction
- Tumor control
- Improved quality of life
Treatment goals vary depending on tumor type and location.
Risks and Complications
All brain surgery carries potential risks. Specific risks depend on tumor location and surgical complexity.
Possible complications include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Seizures
- Stroke
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak
- Weakness or numbness
- Speech or memory changes
- Vision changes
- Tumor recurrence
Your neurosurgeon carefully reviews risks, benefits, and alternatives before treatment.
Recovery After Meningioma Surgery
Recovery timelines vary based on tumor size, location, and overall health.
Typical Recovery Expectations
Hospital Stay
- Often 2–7 days depending on surgical complexity
Early Recovery
Patients may experience:
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Temporary swelling
- Mild balance or concentration issues
Rehabilitation
Some patients benefit from:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
Follow-Up Imaging
MRI scans help monitor:
- Healing
- Residual tumor
- Recurrence risk
Many patients gradually return to normal activities over several weeks to months.
When to See a Brain Tumor Specialist
Seek neurosurgical evaluation if you experience:
- Persistent or worsening headaches
- Seizures
- Vision loss
- Balance difficulties
- Cognitive decline
- Weakness or numbness
- MRI evidence of a brain mass
Early diagnosis improves treatment planning and long-term outcomes.
Why Choose Midwest Spine & Brain Institute?
Patients throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin trust Midwest Spine & Brain Institute for advanced brain tumor care because we provide:
- Board-certified neurosurgeons
- Advanced microsurgical techniques
- Complex skull base expertise
- Multidisciplinary brain tumor care
- Advanced imaging and navigation technology
- Personalized treatment planning
- Comprehensive follow-up care
Our specialists treat both routine and highly complex intracranial tumors using evidence-based neurosurgical approaches.
Related specialties include:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a meningioma cancerous?
Most meningiomas are benign and slow growing, but some atypical or malignant tumors can occur.
What symptoms can a meningioma cause?
Symptoms may include headaches, seizures, vision problems, weakness, memory changes, or balance difficulties depending on tumor location.
Does every meningioma require surgery?
No. Small, stable tumors without symptoms may only need monitoring with periodic MRI scans.
How successful is meningioma surgery?
Many meningioma surgeries successfully relieve symptoms and control tumor growth, though outcomes depend on tumor location and complexity.
Can a meningioma grow back after surgery?
Yes. Some meningiomas can recur over time, especially if complete removal is not possible.
What is recovery like after meningioma surgery?
Recovery varies, but many patients improve gradually over weeks to months with follow-up imaging and rehabilitation when needed.
Is radiosurgery the same as open surgery?
No. Radiosurgery uses focused radiation to treat tumors without a traditional surgical incision.
What type of doctor treats meningiomas?
Board-certified neurosurgeons specializing in brain tumor surgery diagnose and treat meningiomas.
Conclusion
Meningioma surgery can help relieve neurological symptoms, reduce pressure on the brain, and improve quality of life for patients with symptomatic or growing tumors. Midwest Spine & Brain Institute provides advanced brain tumor diagnosis, microsurgical treatment, stereotactic radiosurgery, and long-term follow-up care throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
To schedule a consultation, contact Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today.