Meningioma-Induced Transient Tumor Attacks Resembling Transient Ischemic Attacks

Abstract

Transient tumor attacks (TTA) are reversible neurological deficits similar to transient ischemic attacks (TIA) secondary to intracranial tumors especially supra tentorial tumors like meningiomas. A 55-year-old right-handed Caucasian woman was brought into emergency department with sudden onset of right lower extremity weakness. Neurological exam revealed a weakness of 2/5 in right lower extremity. Head computer tomography revealed a left frontal large extra axial mass consistent with meningioma. Her symptoms resolved in 2 hours. Vascular imaging and cardiac workup was within normal limits. She was started on high dose steroids and prophylactic antiepileptic medication. Surgical resection of the meningioma was performed with no recurrence of TIA.