Chronic Cephalalgia-Parkinsonism Complex Revealing a Meningioma in a Young Patient: A Case Report

Yasmina Zakaria1,2, Soukaina Benlamkadam1,2, Hamidou Guillaume Turpin3

  • 1Neurology, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Marrakesh, MAR.

Cureus
|April 15, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Parkinsonian syndrome can rarely be caused by an intracranial meningioma. Surgical removal of the brain tumor resolved the patient's long-standing parkinsonism, highlighting the need for thorough investigation.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Neurosurgery
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Parkinsonism is a complex neurological disorder.
  • Intracranial meningiomas are typically benign brain tumors.
  • The co-occurrence of parkinsonism and meningioma is rare.

Observation:

  • A patient presented with a four-year history of parkinsonian syndrome unresponsive to medical treatment.
  • Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a left intracranial meningioma.

Findings:

  • Complete surgical resection of the meningioma led to the complete resolution of the patient's parkinsonian syndrome.
  • The tumor's size and associated peritumoral edema likely caused pressure on the basal ganglia, affecting perfusion.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering intracranial tumors in the differential diagnosis of unexplained parkinsonism.
  • Identifying specific clinical red flags is crucial for timely diagnosis and intervention in parkinsonian syndrome.
  • Surgical intervention for meningioma can potentially reverse neurological deficits like parkinsonism.