Meningioma Care in Grand Rapids, Michigan

A meningioma is a type of brain tumor that develops from the meninges — the protective membranes that surround your brain and spinal cord. Most meningiomas grow from the arachnoid layer (which looks like a web under the microscope) and are usually benign (non‑cancerous), although a small percentage are malignant.

In the Grand Rapids area, meningiomas are typically diagnosed and treated by neurology and neurosurgery teams at major health systems such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health.

What Is a Meningioma?

A meningioma:

  • Arises from cells in the arachnoid layer called arachnoid cap cells
  • Usually grows slowly
  • Typically does not spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body
  • Accounts for about 1 in 5 brain tumors
  • Is more common in women and older adults

Because Grand Rapids and West Michigan have an aging population and strong access to advanced imaging (CT and MRI), meningiomas are often found incidentally when scans are done for other reasons, such as chronic headaches or after a fall on ice during our cold winters.

Symptoms of Meningioma

How Symptoms Develop

Symptoms of a meningioma depend on:

  • Location in the brain or spinal cord
  • Size of the tumor
  • Growth rate
  • Whether it is irritating, compressing, or invading nearby brain tissue, nerves, or blood vessels

Common ways meningiomas cause symptoms include:

  • Compression – the tumor presses on brain or spinal cord tissue
  • Irritation – especially of the brain’s cortex (outer layer), which can trigger seizures
  • Invasion – growth into brain tissue or surrounding structures
  • Blood vessel injury or blockage – reducing blood flow to parts of the brain

General Symptoms

Symptoms can be subtle at first and may be mistaken for other conditions common in Michigan, such as migraines or stress-related headaches. Possible symptoms include:

  • Headaches (often worse in the morning or with coughing/straining)
  • Seizures (fits)
  • Changes in personality or behavior
  • Problems with memory or concentration
  • Weakness or numbness in an arm or leg
  • Changes in vision, hearing, or sense of smell
  • Balance or coordination problems
  • Spinal pain and limb weakness (if the meningioma is in the spine)

If you or a family member in Grand Rapids experiences new seizures, persistent headaches, or sudden neurological changes, seek urgent medical care at a local emergency department such as Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital or Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital.

Symptoms by Tumor Location

Doctors also classify meningiomas by where they are located. Symptoms often reflect the function of the nearby brain region.

Parasagittal (Between the Brain Lobes)

  • Located along the midline between the two brain hemispheres
  • Possible symptoms:
    • Weakness or paralysis, often in one leg
    • Changes in walking or balance

Olfactory Groove (Under the Front of the Brain, Behind the Nose)

  • Sits at the base of the skull, near the nerves for smell
  • Possible symptoms:
    • Loss of sense of smell (anosmia)
    • Subtle personality changes
    • Headaches or vision changes as the tumor grows

Sphenoid Wing (Behind the Eye)

  • Located near the eye socket and important cranial nerves
  • Possible symptoms:
    • Seizures
    • Vision problems or double vision
    • Eye bulging or changes in eye movement
    • Multiple cranial nerve palsies (weakness of facial, eye, or jaw muscles)

Occipital Lobe (Back of the Brain)

  • Responsible for processing vision
  • Possible symptoms:
    • Loss of half of the visual field in one or both eyes (contralateral hemianopsia)
    • Difficulty seeing objects on one side

Spinal Cord Meningioma

  • Grows along the spinal cord, often in the thoracic (mid‑back) region
  • Possible symptoms:
    • Back or spine pain
    • Weakness in the arms or legs
    • Numbness or tingling
    • Reduced sense of where your limbs are in space (proprioception)
    • Difficulty walking or with balance — which can be especially noticeable in icy West Michigan winters

Why Do Meningiomas Occur?

Role of Arachnoid Cap Cells

Meningiomas arise from arachnoid cap cells in the arachnoid layer. These cells help regulate the flow and absorption of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of meningiomas is unknown, but several risk factors have been identified:

  • Advancing age – more common in older adults
  • Female sex and hormones – more common in women; some tumors have hormone receptors
  • Prior radiation therapy to the head – for childhood cancers or other conditions
  • Certain genetic or chromosomal abnormalities
  • Family history of specific genetic syndromes (such as neurofibromatosis type 2)

In Grand Rapids, people who received radiation treatment in childhood (for example, at regional cancer centers in West Michigan) may have a slightly higher risk and should discuss any new neurological symptoms with their healthcare provider.

How Meningiomas Are Diagnosed in Grand Rapids

If your primary care provider or neurologist suspects a meningioma, they may refer you to one of the local health systems for imaging and specialist evaluation.

Diagnostic Steps

  • Medical history and physical examination

    • Review of symptoms, onset, and progression
    • Neurological exam (strength, reflexes, vision, balance, cognition)

  • Imaging tests

    • CT scan of the head – can quickly detect many brain tumors, often used in emergency settings
    • MRI scan of the brain and/or spine – the preferred test for characterizing meningiomas, their exact size, and location

  • Occasionally: Skull X‑ray

    • Less common now, but may show bone changes near long‑standing tumors

  • Biopsy or surgical removal

    • In many cases, the diagnosis is confirmed when the tumor (or a portion of it) is removed during surgery and examined by a pathologist

Grand Rapids hospitals such as Corewell Health Butterworth, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, and Metro Health have advanced MRI and CT capabilities and multidisciplinary brain tumor boards to review complex cases.

Treatment Options for Meningioma in Grand Rapids

Treatment is highly individualized and depends on:

  • Size and location of the tumor
  • Type and grade (how the cells look under the microscope)
  • Symptoms and overall health
  • How fast the tumor is growing

1. Close Monitoring (“Watchful Waiting”)

For small, slow‑growing, or symptom‑free meningiomas, your doctor may recommend:

  • Regular MRI scans (every 6–12 months initially)
  • Neurological exams to check for new symptoms

This option is especially common in older adults in the Grand Rapids area who have other health issues that make surgery riskier.

2. Medications

Medications do not cure meningiomas but can help manage symptoms:

  • Steroid medications

    • Reduce swelling and inflammation around the tumor
    • Often used before and shortly after surgery
    • A low‑salt diet may be recommended to help manage fluid retention

  • Anti‑epileptic (anti‑seizure) drugs

    • Reduce the risk and frequency of seizures
    • Sometimes continued long‑term, even after surgery

Your neurology or neurosurgery team at a Grand Rapids hospital will tailor these medications to your specific needs.

3. Surgery (Craniotomy)

Craniotomy is the primary treatment for many meningiomas. The goal is to remove as much of the tumor as is safely possible.

  • Complete resection is often possible when the tumor is:

    • On the surface of the brain
    • Not wrapped around major blood vessels or critical nerves

  • Partial resection may be necessary when the tumor:

    • Is in a deep or hard‑to‑reach area (such as underneath the brain)
    • Involves vital blood vessels or cranial nerves

In these cases, neurosurgeons at centers such as Corewell Health’s neurosurgery program or Trinity Health Grand Rapids may intentionally leave a small portion of tumor behind to avoid serious complications such as stroke, paralysis, or loss of vision.

Recovery After Surgery

  • Many patients resume normal activities within 1 to 3 months, depending on:

    • Tumor size and location
    • Type of work and daily activities
    • Overall health and support at home

  • Steroids are usually tapered off gradually after surgery

  • Anti‑seizure medications may need to be continued long‑term, especially if you had seizures before surgery

Because Michigan winters can increase fall risk and make outdoor mobility harder, post‑surgical patients in Grand Rapids are often advised to take extra precautions with walking, footwear, and driving until cleared by their care team.

4. Radiosurgery and Radiotherapy

If a meningioma cannot be completely removed, or if it grows back, options may include:

  • Radiosurgery (e.g., Gamma Knife or other focused radiation)

    • Uses highly targeted beams of radiation
    • Aims to control or shrink the tumor without traditional open surgery
    • Often used for small or residual tumors near critical structures

  • Conventional radiotherapy

    • Delivered over multiple sessions
    • Sometimes used for higher‑grade or recurrent meningiomas

Grand Rapids patients may access these treatments through specialized radiation oncology centers associated with Corewell Health, Trinity Health, or Metro Health – University of Michigan Health.

5. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is not commonly used for typical benign meningiomas, but may be considered in rare, aggressive, or malignant cases that do not respond to surgery and radiation.

Long‑Term Outlook and Follow‑Up

About 8 out of 10 meningiomas can be cured, especially when completely removed and when they are low‑grade (benign).

Follow‑Up Care

Even after successful surgery, ongoing monitoring is important:

  • Regular MRI or CT scans for several years (often at least 5 years)
  • Neurological exams to track any new symptoms
  • Monitoring of any residual tumor if complete removal was not possible

Some meningiomas grow so slowly that they remain nearly the same size even 10 years after surgery. Others may grow back, particularly if only part of the tumor was removed.

Rehabilitation and Support

Depending on the tumor’s location and any neurological changes, you may benefit from:

  • Physical therapy – to improve strength, balance, and walking
  • Occupational therapy – to help with daily activities and home or work adaptations
  • Speech therapy – if speech, language, or swallowing are affected
  • Neuropsychological support – for memory, concentration, and emotional changes

Rehabilitation services are available through major Grand Rapids health systems and community providers. The Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health resources can also help connect patients with local support services and community programs.

When to Seek Help in Grand Rapids

Contact a healthcare provider promptly if you notice:

  • New or worsening headaches
  • Seizures or episodes of loss of consciousness
  • Sudden weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking
  • Changes in vision or balance
  • Persistent back pain with leg weakness or numbness

Local Resources

  • Your primary care provider (GP)
  • Neurologist – for evaluation of seizures, headaches, or neurological symptoms
  • Neurosurgeon – for surgical assessment and treatment options
  • Emergency departments at:
    • Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health

For information on community health resources, financial assistance, and support services in West Michigan, you can also contact the Kent County Health Department or Grand Rapids Public Health offices.

Key Points About Meningioma

  • Symptoms depend on the size and location of the meningioma and may include headaches and seizures.
  • Most meningiomas are benign and slow‑growing, but a small percentage are malignant.
  • Craniotomy (surgery) is the primary treatment when safe and feasible.
  • Headaches and seizures are common symptoms, especially when the brain’s cortex is irritated.
  • Ongoing monitoring with scans is essential, even after successful treatment.
  • Grand Rapids residents have access to advanced brain tumor care, including neurosurgery, radiosurgery, and rehabilitation, through local health systems and public health resources.