Signs and symptoms of ependymomas are related to the site of origin of the tumour.
Table 5. Tumour sites and associated symptoms.
| Tumour Site |
Associated Symptom |
| Posterior fossa |
- Symptoms related to increased intracranial pressure:
- headaches (more severe in morning)
- vomiting (more severe in morning)
- papilledema-lethargy
- Symptoms of cerebellar dysfunction:
- ataxia
- dysarthria
- nystagmus
- hypotonia3.
- Others:
- neck pain and stiffness (meningismus)
- cranial nerve palsies |
| Supratentorial |
Symptoms related to affected cerebral area:
- hemiparesis
- hyperreflexia
- visual field abnormalities
- ataxia-seizures
- cognitive impairment
|
Symptoms may be present for up to 12 months prior to diagnosis. This duration varies with tumour location and grade. However, supratentorial ependymomas are generally diagnosed after seven months, and posterior fossa tumours are usually present for nine months prior to diagnosis.