Massive Foramen Magnum Meningioma Mimicking a Stroke

TL;DR

A rare brain tumor at the base of the skull mimicked stroke symptoms in a patient, highlighting the need for accurate diagnosis.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel case of a foramen magnum meningioma presenting with sudden-onset hemianesthesia, mimicking stroke.

Findings

A 50-year-old female presented with sudden left-sided numbness due to a foramen magnum meningioma.

Symptoms resolved after surgical intervention, confirming the tumor as the cause.

The case emphasizes the importance of considering FMM in differential diagnoses of sudden neurological symptoms.

Abstract

Foramen magnum meningiomas (FMMs) are skull base tumors that arise from the arachnoid layer of the meninges at the cranio-cervical junction. They typically present gradually, with symptoms ranging from asymmetric, progressive quadriparesis and sensory impairment to involvement of the lower cranial nerves. We report a case of a 50-year-old Asian female who presented with sudden-onset left-sided numbness. Neurologic examination revealed hemisensory loss over her left extremities. Imaging studies showed a meningioma within the spinal canal at the level of C1-C2. She underwent surgical intervention, and there was resolution of the symptoms upon discharge.

This case highlights the importance of recognizing atypical manifestations of FMM, such as a sudden-onset hemianesthesia, mimicking a stroke.

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