Meningioma Related Epilepsy- Pathophysiology, Pre/postoperative Seizures Predicators and Treatment

Abstract

Meningiomas are the most common primary brain tumors accounting for about 30% of all brain tumors. The vast majority of meningiomas are slow-growing and of benign histopathology rendering them curable by surgery alone. Symptomatic lesions depend on the location with signs of mass effect or neurological deficits. Seizures are the presenting symptoms in approximately 30% of cases, which negatively affect quality of life, limit independence, impair cognitive functioning, as well as increase the risk for psychiatric comorbidities including depression. Although surgical resection may offer seizure freedom in 60-90% of meningiomas, seizures persist after surgical resection in approximately 12-19% of patients. Anti-seizure medications (ASMs) are employed in management, however, are limited by adverse neurocognitive side-effects and inefficacy in some patients. The potential predictors of pre- and post-operative seizures in meningioma patients have been identified in the literature. Understanding various factors associated with seizure likelihood in meningioma patients can help guide more effective seizure control and allow for better determination of risk before and after surgery.