Meningiomas are a type of tumor that grows within the meninges, the protective tissue that covers the spinal column and brain. Approximately 90 percent of meningiomas are benign or noncancerous and are diagnosed most frequently in patients between the ages of 40 and 70, according to health experts with the Brigham and Women's Hospital. Convexity meningiomas develop along the surface of the brain near the front of the head. Patients who develop convexity meningioma symptoms should consult a physician.
Headache
One of the most common symptoms of a convexity meningioma is a headache, explain medical professionals with the Mayfield Clinic. Headache pain can range in severity from mild to severe and typically occurs at the front of the head. Painful headache symptoms arise because the growth of a convexity meningioma alters the normal pressure levels within the brain. Increased brain pressure affects the way in which blood flows through the brain. These pressure changes cause patients to experience dull or pounding headache pain that can limit the ability to focus or concentrate. Headache pain may be constant or intermittent, but recurs frequently in patients with a convexity meningioma.
Seizures
Seizures can occur as a symptom of convexity meningiomas in affected patients, report medical experts with Johns Hopkins Medicine. A seizure occurs when the normal electrical activity within the brain is abnormally disrupted. Patients who develop seizures can experience involuntary muscle spasms or visual hallucinations that may last for a few seconds or a few minutes. Once a seizure ends, affected patients can appear confused or fatigued and may complain that their muscles hurt or that they have a headache, warn health professionals with The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. Seizure symptoms can arise for alternate medical reasons, such as a head injury, and affected patients should seek additional care from a medical professional.
Neurological Deficits
Patients with convexity meningiomas can display neurological deficits as a symptom of this condition, according to Mayfield Clinic medical professionals. These neurological changes may cause memory or concentration difficulties; unusual personality changes; trouble speaking; and motor coordination problems. Neurological deficits may become more apparent as the convexity meningioma gradually increases in size. Patients who develop sudden or unusual neurological changes should be evaluated by a physician as soon as possible.
