Clinical History for Meningioma-Related Headache

Headache Characteristics

• The American College of Neurology recommends documenting onset, duration, frequency, and pattern of headaches, noting if they have progressively worsened over time 1, 2
• Assess pain characteristics including location and severity using a numerical scale 2

Associated Neurological Symptoms

• The British Journal of Neurosurgery suggests inquiring about symptoms of raised intracranial pressure, such as nausea and vomiting, and assessing for visual disturbances, such as blurred vision and diplopia 1, 4
• Evaluate for seizure activity, which occurs in up to 30% of meningioma patients 4
• Inquire about mental status changes, including personality changes or cognitive decline 1, 5

Risk Factors and Medical History

• The British Journal of Neurosurgery recommends asking about history of radiation exposure, which increases risk of meningioma 6
• Inquire about family history of neurofibromatosis or other genetic syndromes associated with meningiomas 6, 7

Diagnostic History

• Document previous brain imaging studies and their findings 1, 4

Special Considerations for Meningiomas

• For patients with meningiomas located at the skull base or petroclival region, headaches are often a prominent feature 4