From the Research
The medical term for the cold sensation or brain freeze-like feeling caused by calcified meningioma irritating nerves is paresthesia, specifically cold dysesthesia. This condition occurs when a calcified meningioma (a benign tumor arising from the meninges covering the brain) compresses or irritates nearby cranial nerves or sensory pathways, leading to abnormal nerve sensations 1. The sensation is a result of the meningioma's calcification creating pressure on temperature-sensitive nerve fibers, causing them to misfire and transmit cold sensations inappropriately.
Causes and Mechanisms
The trigeminal nerve, responsible for detecting sensory stimuli in the craniofacial area, can be affected by the calcified meningioma, leading to paresthesia 1. The nerve's cell bodies are located in the trigeminal ganglia, and connections with second-order neurons in the trigeminal brainstem sensory nuclear complex can be disrupted by the tumor.
Treatment Options
Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying meningioma through surgical resection if symptoms are severe or the tumor is growing 2. For symptom management, medications such as:
- carbamazepine (200-400mg twice daily)
- gabapentin (300-1200mg three times daily)
- pregabalin (75-150mg twice daily) may be prescribed to reduce the abnormal nerve sensations 3, 4. These anticonvulsant medications work by stabilizing hyperexcitable nerve membranes and reducing aberrant neural firing.
Diagnosis and Evaluation
If experiencing these symptoms, prompt neurological evaluation with MRI imaging is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment planning 2. A thorough evaluation of the patient's medical history, physical examination, and radiological investigations can help determine the best course of treatment.
Key Considerations
It is crucial to prioritize the patient's quality of life, morbidity, and mortality when making treatment decisions 1, 4. The choice of treatment should be based on the most recent and highest-quality evidence available, taking into account the patient's individual needs and circumstances.