Parkinsonism Associated with Frontal Lobe Meningioma: A Report of Two Cases

ABSTRACT

Parkinsonism is not commonly associated with intracranial tumors. The most common brain tumor causing parkinsonism is meningiomas. We are presenting two cases of meningiomas whose major manifestations included parkinsonism. In one, parkinsonian symptoms initially partially responded to L-dopa and bromocriptine. A CT scan taken for a stroke-like episode revealed a meningioma of left frontal convexity. After neurological sequelae of CO poisoning, the patient poorly responded to antiparkinsonian drugs. Surgical treatment of meningioma did not result in satisfactory control of extrapyramidal symptoms. In the other with a parasagittal meningioma, parkinsonian symptoms were postoperatiYely improved. Because no curative treatment is available for the majority of parkinsonian patients, early detection of an underlying neoplasm may result in a most rewarding outcome. It would be desirable to perform CT or MRI in cases of parkinsonism with other associated neurological manifestation. Unilaterality of parkinsonian symptoms may also be indication.