Meningioma: a nursing perspective.

A meningioma is an intracranial tumor arising from the coverings (meninges) of the brain. One of the first intracranial tumors successfully removed, the meningioma is considered the most common of all nongliomatous tumors, accounting for approximately 15 to 20% of all intracranial tumors. Occurring more than twice as often in women than men, meningiomas usually present between the third and sixth decades of life. It is imperative for nurses who work with neurosurgery patients to easily recognize and accurately assess specific characteristics of different brain tumors. Discussion in this article includes origin, signs and symptoms for various locations, diagnostic testing, medical treatment and nursing interventions for patients with meningiomas.