What is significant displacement of the brainstem?

[Steve_04]

Has anyone ever heard of brainstem displacement ?

I’ve seen it on some reports but no one has mentioned it to me so I’m a bit perplexed to say the least.

[Kristyll]

As far as I am aware it Is if the tumours in a place to affect the brain stem ie pressing on it or growing too near it. Even small ones in the wrong place can do it. There are so many variables regarding size and position etc

[Steve_04 in reply to Kristyll]

Thanks. It’s just a bit weird to me as when I was diagnosed I was informed there was brainstem distortion causing some compression and no mention of brainstem displacement. Due to other reasons I’ve had to request my medical files from the hospital where I had the surgery and have seen on a few documents where it mentions significant displacement of brainstem and compression of cerabellar peduncle. Just a bit concerning as to why I’ve never been told about that.

[touring in reply to Steve_04]

Hi there! I had exactly the same diagnosis: I'm not an expert, but I think compression and displacement amount to the same thing. As my tumour (a cerebellar pontine angle meningioma) grew my balance became worse and facial nerves were really painful. Surgery was the only option and was done last year. Has made a massive difference to how I feel! Hope you are ok.

[Steve_04 in reply to touring]

Thanks, I had brainstem compression but my understanding of it was that it was pressing against the brainstem. However the terminology of significant displacement of the brainstem used to me suggests the brainstem has moved significantly. I’ve put the question back to the surgeons but awaiting a response.