Surreal illustration of a brain representing meningioma research.

Decoding Meningioma: A Young Woman's Seizure Puzzle & What It Teaches Us

Lena Voss in Health & Wellness June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Explore the rare case of a young woman battling a giant brain tumor and recurrent seizures, offering insights into early detection and potential risk factors."

Meningiomas, typically benign tumors arising from the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, are a relatively common occurrence in adults. However, their appearance in young adults is notably rare, often presenting unique challenges in diagnosis and treatment. These tumors originate from arachnoid cap cells, which are found within the leptomeninges.

A significant concern with meningiomas, particularly those classified as parasagittal meningiomas (PM), is their potential to invade the superior sagittal sinus (SSS), a major venous structure in the brain. Invasion of the SSS can lead to significant complications, including seizures and increased intracranial pressure. This scenario poses considerable surgical challenges due to the risk of damaging critical venous drainage pathways.

This article delves into an extraordinary case of a 24-year-old woman who presented with recurrent seizures caused by a giant, invasive parasagittal meningioma. Her case not only underscores the rarity of such occurrences but also provides valuable insights into the symptoms, diagnostic approaches, surgical interventions, and possible etiologies associated with meningiomas in younger individuals.

Unraveling the Mystery: What Causes Meningiomas and Why Early Detection Matters

Surreal illustration of a brain representing meningioma research.

The precise cause of meningiomas remains a topic of ongoing debate among neurosurgeons and researchers. However, prevailing theories suggest a combination of genetic and environmental factors may contribute to their development. Some cases are linked to genetic syndromes like neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2), meningioangiomatosis (MA), and Gorlin syndrome, indicating a hereditary component.

Studies have also pointed to chromosomal abnormalities, such as deletions or inactivation of the NF2 gene on chromosome 22, as a potential trigger for meningioma formation. Moreover, external factors like exposure to cranial ionizing radiation, hormonal influences, and even a history of breast cancer have been implicated as risk factors. This multitude of potential causes highlights the complexity of meningioma etiology.

Genetic Predisposition: Inherited conditions like NF2 increase the risk.
Chromosomal Abnormalities: Deletions or mutations affecting key genes.
Hormonal Influences: Links to estrogen and progesterone levels.
Radiation Exposure: Prior exposure to ionizing radiation.
Environmental Factors: Possibly related to diet, allergies, and occupational exposures.

Given the challenges in pinpointing the exact cause and the potential for meningiomas to grow significantly before causing noticeable symptoms, early detection is paramount. Routine screenings for children, especially those with risk factors, could help identify these tumors at an earlier, more treatable stage. Recognizing subtle symptoms and seeking prompt medical attention can greatly improve outcomes and reduce the risk of long-term neurological complications. This proactive approach emphasizes the importance of awareness and vigilance in monitoring brain health.

Hope for the Future: Advances in Meningioma Treatment and Care

This case underscores the critical need for ongoing research into the causes and risk factors associated with meningiomas, particularly in younger individuals. By enhancing our understanding of these tumors, we can pave the way for more effective prevention strategies and targeted therapies. Early detection, combined with advanced surgical techniques and a multidisciplinary approach, offers the best chance for a positive outcome, enabling young patients to live full and healthy lives free from the burden of recurrent seizures and neurological deficits.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.inat.2018.10.009, Alternate LINK

Title: A Giant Invasive Parasagittal Meningioma With Recurrent Seizures In A Young Female: A Case Report And Review Of Literature

Subject: Neurology (clinical)

Journal: Interdisciplinary Neurosurgery

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: Seidu A. Richard, Songping Zheng, Xiong Xuehua, Cai Bowen, Chao You

Published: 2019-03-01

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly are meningiomas, and where do they typically develop?

Meningiomas are typically benign tumors that arise from the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. More specifically, they originate from arachnoid cap cells, which are found within the leptomeninges. While relatively common in adults, meningiomas are notably rare in young adults and can present unique challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Parasagittal Meningiomas (PM) are a specific type of meningioma that can invade the superior sagittal sinus (SSS), a major venous structure in the brain. This invasion can lead to complications like seizures and increased intracranial pressure, posing significant surgical challenges.

What are the key risk factors that might contribute to the development of meningiomas, especially in younger individuals?

While the precise cause of meningiomas remains under investigation, current theories suggest a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Genetic predispositions like neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2), meningioangiomatosis (MA), and Gorlin syndrome can increase the risk. Chromosomal abnormalities, such as deletions or inactivation of the NF2 gene on chromosome 22, are also potential triggers. External factors, including exposure to cranial ionizing radiation, hormonal influences, and even a history of breast cancer, have been implicated as well. Diet, allergies, and occupational exposures are also being studied.

Why is early detection so important when it comes to meningiomas, especially considering they might not cause noticeable symptoms right away?

Early detection of meningiomas is crucial because these tumors can grow significantly before causing noticeable symptoms. Identifying meningiomas at an earlier stage allows for more effective treatment and can reduce the risk of long-term neurological complications. Routine screenings, particularly for individuals with risk factors, are vital. Recognizing subtle symptoms and seeking prompt medical attention can greatly improve outcomes and enable timely intervention. Early detection, combined with advanced surgical techniques and a multidisciplinary approach, offers the best chance for a positive outcome.

Considering the case of the young woman with recurrent seizures, what are the surgical challenges associated with treating a parasagittal meningioma (PM) that has invaded the superior sagittal sinus (SSS)?

When a parasagittal meningioma (PM) invades the superior sagittal sinus (SSS), it presents significant surgical challenges due to the risk of damaging critical venous drainage pathways. The SSS is a major venous structure in the brain, and any damage during surgery can lead to severe complications, including increased intracranial pressure and neurological deficits. Surgeons must carefully navigate around and potentially reconstruct the SSS while removing the tumor to minimize these risks. Advanced surgical techniques and a multidisciplinary approach are essential to ensure the best possible outcome for patients with this type of meningioma.

How do hormonal influences potentially play a role in the development of meningiomas, and what implications does this have for treatment and prevention strategies?

Hormonal influences, particularly those related to estrogen and progesterone levels, have been implicated as potential risk factors in the development of meningiomas. This suggests that hormonal fluctuations or imbalances could contribute to tumor growth or formation. The implications of this link are significant for treatment and prevention strategies, as hormonal therapies or interventions might be considered in certain cases. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which hormones influence meningioma development and to determine the effectiveness of hormone-targeted treatments. Additionally, this connection highlights the importance of considering hormonal factors in risk assessment and early detection efforts, particularly in women.