Four women aged 60-70 underwent surgery within one month at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem after being diagnosed with spinal meningioma. The cluster is considered unusual, as similar cases are typically seen far less frequently by the hospital’s neurosurgical department. Early diagnosis and surgical intervention led to significant improvement in the patients’ conditions, some of whom arrived with severe impairment to their quality of life and partial paralysis.
Spinal Meningioma – What Does It Mean?
Spinal meningioma is a benign tumor that develops in the membranes surrounding the spinal cord. It is more common among older women and can cause pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. As a result, patients may experience neurological symptoms such as numbness, limb weakness, difficulty walking and, in advanced cases, paralysis.
Gila, one of the patients who underwent surgery at Shaare Zedek Medical Center, describes the months leading up to her diagnosis: “For months I suffered from numbness in my legs and fell repeatedly. My quality of life was severely affected, and I was only able to take one step every few hours. The condition worsened to the point that my left leg was almost completely paralyzed, and in other medical settings where I was treated, the problem was not identified.”
She adds that “only when I arrived at Shaare Zedek, after an MRI examination, did they realize I had a large benign tumor in my spine. The tumor was removed surgically, and immediately afterward I began to feel improvement and was able to move my leg. Today I can do things I couldn’t do before, and the care I received from the team was exceptional.”
The cases also drew particular attention among the medical staff due to the short timeframe in which multiple women arrived with the same diagnosis, all experiencing significant functional impairment.
Dr. Gustavo Reis, a senior neurosurgeon at Shaare Zedek Medical Center who performed all four surgeries, notes: “Throughout my years of practice, I have never encountered such a high number of women diagnosed with spinal meningioma within such a short period. Some of the patients arrived with severe functional damage and near-complete paralysis of one leg, and following surgery we saw a marked improvement in their ability to move.”
Dr. Reis emphasizes that despite the severity of symptoms, spinal meningioma is a condition that can be treated successfully. “Early detection is critical. When neurological symptoms appear, even if there is uncertainty, it is important to consult a specialist and undergo appropriate imaging tests. Timely diagnosis can prevent deterioration and significantly improve recovery prospects.”
