Brain meningioma in a patient with complaints of low back pain and leg weakness

Meningiomas are the most common form of benign brain tumors in adults. Due to a wide range of symptom presentation, tumors can be difficult to diagnose. For physical therapists, it is important to be aware that brain tumors can mimic other diagnoses and present in conjunction with other musculoskeletal disorders. The purpose of this case report is to describe the physical therapists' management of a patient who presented with initial signs and symptoms of low back pain (LBP) and radicular symptoms, but whose symptoms became atypical and required further diagnostic work-up and medical management.

The patient was ultimately diagnosed with a large, benign meningioma in the left motor cortex of the brain. One week following referral from the physical therapist, the tumor was surgically excised.

This case report brings attention to the importance of regular, systematic examination of the patient's clinical presentation to identify mechanical and non-mechanical signs and symptoms and make the appropriate medical referral.