[Spinal meningioma as a frequently unrecognized cause of neuromotor disorder in the aged]

The clinical history prior to surgery of 18 cases of spinal meningiomas is examined. In most cases, surgical management had been undertaken too late and the reasons for this are discussed. Poor neurological knowledge on the part of general practitioners or mistaken interpretation of the initial symptoms by specialists were the main causes. Persistent prejudices based on the supposed damage caused by myelographical investigation also proved a stumbling-block to timely intervention.