Occasionally cancers from other regions of the body may spread to the spinal fluid surrounding the brain the spinal cord. When this happens, the cancerous cells may interfere with cerebrospinal fluid absorption and transportation and lead to hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus is a condition varcharacterized by an excess of spinal fluid within the brain. In addition, the nerves which pass from the brain to structures primarily with the head and face, the cranial nerves, may not function normally. This can lead to a variety of symptoms dependent on which nerve becomes affected.
Causes of Carcinomatous Meningitis
The cause of carcinomatous meningitis is the spread and growth of malignant cancer cells with the cerebrospinal fluid.
Signs and Symptoms of Carcinomatous Meningitis
Headaches, nausea, and vomiting may accompany the increase in cerebrospinal fluid which occurs in hydrocephalus. In addition, unsteady gait, urinary incontinence, and problems with memory may occur. Blurred vision, double vision, facial weakness, numbness, difficulty swallowing or talking, balance problems, and decreased hearing may also occur if the cranial nerves are affected. Numbness or weakness may occur in the arms of legs if the spinal cord or nerves exiting the spine become involved with the metastatic cancer.
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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
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