Living with Spinal meningioma
A rare, slow-growing tumor on the spinal cord that most often affects middle-aged women.
Understanding Spinal meningioma
The tumor often affects middle-aged women and is typically slow growing. The middle back (thoracic spine) is the most common site, followed by the neck, and the lower back is rarely affected. Features include weakness, loss of feeling, pain and bladder or bowel control problems.
Signs & symptoms
GARD doesn't list a separate symptom list for this condition. Based on its summary, features include:
- Weakness or trouble moving
- Loss of feeling
- Pain
- Bladder or bowel control problems
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says the only proven risk factor is exposure to ionizing radiation. People with neurofibromatosis type 2 are also at increased risk.
Also known as: meningioma (disease) of spinal cord; meningioma of spinal cord; meningioma of the spinal cord; meningioma, spine; spinal cord meningioma; spinal cord meningioma (disease)
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Spinal meningioma.
Explore research for Spinal meningioma
Explore actively recruiting Spinal meningioma studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Spinal meningioma with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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