Neoplastic meningitis
Encyclopedia
Neoplastic or malignant meningitis, also described with the older term meningitis carcinomatosa is the development of meningitis
due to the infiltration of the subarachnoid space
with cancer cells. The cancer cells can be metastatic or from a primary brain tumor like medulloblastoma
.
Meningitis
Meningitis is inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, known collectively as the meninges. The inflammation may be caused by infection with viruses, bacteria, or other microorganisms, and less commonly by certain drugs...
due to the infiltration of the subarachnoid space
Subarachnoid space
In the central nervous system, the subarachnoid cavity is the interval between the arachnoid membrane and pia mater....
with cancer cells. The cancer cells can be metastatic or from a primary brain tumor like medulloblastoma
Medulloblastoma
Medulloblastoma is a highly malignant primary brain tumor that originates in the cerebellum or posterior fossa.Previously, medulloblastomas were thought to represent a subset of primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the posterior fossa...
.
Signs and symptoms
- headache
- stiff neckMeningismMeningism is the triad of nuchal rigidity , photophobia and headache. It is a sign of irritation of the meninges, such as seen in meningitis, subarachnoid hemorrhages and various other diseases...
- gait abnormalitiesAtaxiaAtaxia is a neurological sign and symptom that consists of gross lack of coordination of muscle movements. Ataxia is a non-specific clinical manifestation implying dysfunction of the parts of the nervous system that coordinate movement, such as the cerebellum...
- Sensory changes
- cranial nerve abnormalities are a common symptom, and are manifested by double vision, facial asymmetry, hearing loss or vertigo
- Cognitive changes