Neuroscience For Kids

Mary Tyler Moore Recovering from Brain Surgery
May 16, 2011

Actress Mary Tyler Moore is recovering from a four-hour surgery that removed a "meningioma," a growth on the tissues surrounding her brain. Below the skull are three special coverings called the meninges. A meningioma is a tumor, usually benign, that grows on the meninges.

Often, a meningioma does not cause immediate problems for a patient and surgery can wait. However, if the growth puts pressure on the brain, it is possible that the patient will experience vision and hearing problems, headaches, memory problems, weakness and seizures. If these symptoms are severe, a patient may require surgery to remove the meningioma.

References and more information:

• Meningioma Facts - Brigham and Women's Hospital
• Meningioma - eMedicine
• Meningiomas - Mayo Clinic

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