A young woman faces a backdrop of neural networks, symbolizing her battle against a rare brain tumor.

Uncommon Tumors, Unforeseen Seizures: A Young Woman's Fight Against a Giant Meningioma

Beau Callahan in Health & Wellness January 2026 • 4 min read.

"Discover the rare case of a young woman battling a massive brain tumor and recurrent seizures, and what this reveals about early detection and treatment."

Meningiomas, tumors arising from the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, are typically benign and slow-growing. They are most often found in older adults, rendering their occurrence in young individuals particularly noteworthy. While meningiomas are relatively common, accounting for a significant portion of primary intracranial tumors, the emergence of a giant parasagittal meningioma with invasion into the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) in a young female patient presents a unique challenge for neurosurgeons.

The origin of meningiomas continues to be a topic of debate within the medical community. Various factors, including genetics, hormones, and environmental influences, have been implicated in their development. What makes the case even more puzzling is the size and location of the tumor, impacting critical brain structures and venous sinuses. This intersection of factors necessitates a comprehensive review of current literature to better understand the etiology, diagnosis, and management of such complex cases.

This article delves into the intricacies of a rare clinical presentation: a giant invasive parasagittal meningioma causing recurrent seizures in a young woman. We'll explore the diagnostic journey, surgical intervention, and postoperative outcomes, while also shedding light on the broader implications for early detection and treatment strategies. Through this case report and literature review, we aim to enhance awareness and understanding of this challenging condition.

Decoding the Enigma: What Causes Meningiomas?

A young woman faces a backdrop of neural networks, symbolizing her battle against a rare brain tumor.

The exact cause of meningiomas remains elusive, but several factors have been linked to their development. Genetic abnormalities, such as deletions or inactivation of the NF2 gene on chromosome 22, have been frequently observed in meningioma cells. Other chromosomal deletions, involving regions like 1p, 6q, 14q, and 18q, have also been implicated. However, these genetic alterations do not fully explain the occurrence of all meningiomas, suggesting the involvement of additional factors.

Beyond genetics, external influences are increasingly recognized as potential contributors to meningioma formation. Exposure to cranial ionizing radiation, often encountered in medical treatments or environmental settings, has been identified as a significant risk factor. Hormonal factors, particularly those related to estrogen and progesterone, have also been investigated, with some studies suggesting a link between hormone replacement therapy and increased meningioma risk. Additional factors being explored include:

Family history of meningiomas
Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), a genetic disorder known to increase the risk of various tumors, including meningiomas
Meningioangiomatosis (MA) and Gorlin syndrome, rare genetic conditions associated with increased meningioma risk
Head trauma

While the role of cell phone use, diet, and allergies remains under investigation, these factors highlight the complex interplay of genetic predisposition and environmental influences in the development of meningiomas. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the underlying mechanisms and identify potential preventative strategies.

Hope for the Future: Early Detection and Comprehensive Care

This case underscores the importance of vigilance and early detection. Recognizing the subtle signs and symptoms, especially in younger individuals, can lead to timely diagnosis and intervention, potentially preventing the tumor from reaching a giant size and causing significant neurological complications. A multidisciplinary approach, involving neurosurgeons, neurologists, and other specialists, is crucial for providing comprehensive care and optimizing outcomes for patients with meningiomas.

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.

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is a meningioma, and why is it considered uncommon in younger individuals?

A meningioma is a tumor that arises from the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. While meningiomas are relatively common overall, they are most often found in older adults. Therefore, their occurrence in young individuals is considered noteworthy and raises questions about the factors contributing to their development at an earlier age. It is also important to note that when they occur in youth, the rapid growth presents unique challenges. Missing is a discussion around the classification or grading systems of meningiomas.

What are some of the known risk factors and potential causes of meningiomas, and how do genetics play a role?

The exact cause of meningiomas remains elusive. However, several factors have been linked to their development. Genetic abnormalities, such as deletions or inactivation of the NF2 gene on chromosome 22, are frequently observed. Exposure to cranial ionizing radiation and hormonal factors related to estrogen and progesterone have also been investigated. Other risk factors includes family history of meningiomas, Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), Meningioangiomatosis (MA) and Gorlin syndrome. While the role of cell phone use, diet, and allergies remains under investigation. It's important to note that these genetic alterations do not fully explain all meningiomas, suggesting the involvement of additional environmental factors. Further research into these potential causes could lead to preventative strategies, something this patient could have taken advantage of.

Why is the location of a meningioma, such as a parasagittal meningioma invading the superior sagittal sinus (SSS), significant in terms of treatment and potential complications?

The location of a meningioma is critical because it can impact vital brain structures and venous sinuses. A giant parasagittal meningioma with invasion into the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) poses a unique challenge for neurosurgeons because of the proximity to critical brain structures and major blood vessels. Surgical removal of such a tumor requires careful consideration to minimize the risk of neurological deficits or vascular complications. The Superior Sagittal Sinus (SSS) plays a vital role in draining blood from the brain, and thus presents additional complexities. One element missing is details around potential surgical techniques to avoid complications.

In cases of giant meningiomas causing recurrent seizures, what is the significance of early detection, and what strategies can be implemented to improve it?

Early detection is crucial in cases of giant meningiomas causing recurrent seizures. Recognizing the subtle signs and symptoms, especially in younger individuals, can lead to timely diagnosis and intervention. This can prevent the tumor from reaching a giant size and causing significant neurological complications. Strategies to improve early detection include increased awareness among healthcare professionals and the public, as well as the use of advanced imaging techniques. This approach can help to minimize the extent of surgery required and improve postoperative outcomes. An area for improvement could be regular MRI screenings for at-risk demographics.

What does a multidisciplinary approach to meningioma treatment entail, and why is it essential for optimizing patient outcomes?

A multidisciplinary approach to meningioma treatment involves a team of specialists, including neurosurgeons, neurologists, radiologists, oncologists, and other healthcare professionals. This collaborative approach is essential for providing comprehensive care and optimizing outcomes for patients with meningiomas. Neurosurgeons specialize in the surgical removal of tumors, while neurologists manage seizures and other neurological symptoms. Radiologists play a critical role in diagnosis and treatment planning, while oncologists may be involved if radiation therapy or other systemic treatments are necessary. By working together, these specialists can develop a tailored treatment plan that addresses the individual needs of each patient. Missing are social workers, physical therapists or occupational therapists as part of a comprehensive recovery plan.