Watching a Meningioma Brain Tumor

Thanks Lisa. I'm not sure how this discussion group works e.g. meninigiomas vs watching meningiomas, I'm not even sure that I am replying right. Yeah, it was pretty shocking meningioma on MRI Thursday and the next day atrial fib on an echo. The neuro surgeon I saw at Stanford didn't know about an increased risk of the meningioma bleeding on anticoagulation. The cardiologist asked some Stanford neurologists and neurosurgeons and told me that the consensus was that it is OK to anticoagulate meningioma patients. I pick up the med tonight. I'll ask the pharmacist. One thing for sure, there is a definite risk of a throboembolism to the brain from afib, so I'm going to do it. They are going to try to cardiovert me in a couple weeks and if it is successful, I may not need long term potent anticoagulants. Unfortunately cardioverion often fails or is temporary.

Hi @alex3l, I found an article on Google Scholar (https://scholar.google.com/) that may be helpful.

Current Research in Neurology and Neurosurgery -- Hemorrhage from Brain Tumors during Anticoagulant Therapy (PDF)
-- https://www.somatopublications.com/hemorrhage-from-brain-tumors-during-anticoagulant%20therapy.pdf

Here is a link to the search results. You may find other articles with more information that is helpful:
-- https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=1%2C24&as_ylo=2019&as_vis=1&q=meningiomas+%2B+anticoagulant+safety&btnG=

Hope this helps!

I do not know anything about anticoagulants.

That does sound hard to have a meningioma and afib discovered all at once, @alex31. A lot to process at the same time. Since you were talking in your second post about following, or watching your meningioma, instead of immediately intervening, I moved your post here where you were posting before where others are talking about watching a meningioma.

Hoping that some other members here and from other discussions may know something about anticoagulant safety while you have a meningioma and whether it could prompt bleeding. @johnbishop may have some thoughts for you, as may @deblee @sanderjakidd @averagewoman @pegorr. They may also have had experience with the decrease in the sense of smell you are talking about.

Have you gotten a chance to talk to the pharmacist about your concerns related to the anticoagulant and the meningioma that was discovered, alex31? If so, what did he or she say?

Thank you. I came across the Romero report in Journal of Neuroimaging. My cardiologist suggested that the neurosurgeon I saw did not want to operate. The whole thing, the simultaneous discovery of a meningioma and atrial fib, is depressing. My only symptom is a decrease in sense of smell. My cariologist polled neurologists and neurosurgeons at his University Medical Center and said that the consensus is that patients with meningiomas can be anticoagulated. Atrial Fib is a well know risk factor thromboembolic stroke. Maybe if they can sucessfully cardiovert me, I can go back less agressive anticoagulation, but I know cardioversion often fails to produce a lasting remission from atrial fib.

Hi @alex3l and welcome to connect. That is a very interesting question.

Here is a research article that I think matchings your situation: "Intracranial Hemorrhage Sparing Meningioma in an Anticoagulated Patient" - https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1552-6569.2007.00111.x

Here is another discussion where others are talking about watching a meningioma tumor: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/watching-a-meningioma-brain-tumor/

Here is a discussion on atrial fibrillation that I thought would be helpful: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/side-efects/

Back to you @alex3l, how are you feeling?Any symptoms currently?

<p>I have olfactory groove meningioma. 75y/o male. Also heart disease (atrial fibrillation) requiring anticoagulation. One option suggested by neurosurgeon is to follow, since minimal symptoms. Asked neurosurgeon if following on anticoagulation could allow meningioma to bleed. (Possible brain hemorrage) Answer was "I don't know." Does anyone know about following menigiomas safely while on anticoagulantss? Any references? Thank you, Alex3l</p>

Thank you for that information. I may get it done if symptoms become painful or interfere with walking. Since I have balance issues, I don't need that.

So glad you found some relief with the bracelets. I am doing some research on the internet to find something else that might lessen the numbness. At this time, it is not painful so thankful for that.

I understand why you aren’t going for the test. I did it because I felt sure they would recommend carpal tunnel surgery. This was so far away from the result. If they can’t help you with your neuropathy why go through the test. Maybe you can find alternate methods to deal with it. Research it on the internet. I have relief from arthritis pain in my hands by wearing Baltic amber bracelets. The mineral in it is absorbed into the skin and fights inflammation. I’m not sure if it works for everyone but it has helped me. 🙂