A Growing Meningioma. A Complex Location. A Complete Resection.
Jim Van Arsdale had no symptoms when an unrelated MRI revealed a frontal parasagittal meningioma. After the tumor continued to grow, Yaron A. Moshel, MD, removed it while protecting the critical brain structures controlling movement and sensation—helping Jim return to his full life as a mayor, mentor, actor and husband.
A Shoulder MRI Revealed Something No One Expected
Jim originally underwent an MRI because of shoulder pain. His shoulder was fine—but the scan unexpectedly captured an image of a brain tumor.
The tumor was identified as a frontal parasagittal meningioma. Jim had no headaches, seizures, weakness or other neurological symptoms, so his neurologist initially recommended surveillance imaging every six months.
Jim continued working, mentoring, acting and serving as mayor of Green Brook Township. But over the next several scans, the tumor continued to grow. Eventually, its size and location made a neurosurgical evaluation necessary.
Clear Answers Made a Complex Decision Easier
Jim met with Yaron A. Moshel, MD, a neurosurgeon specializing in complex meningiomas and tumors located near critical functional areas of the brain.
Dr. Moshel explained that the tumor had grown to a size where removal was recommended before it caused seizures, weakness or other neurological problems. The situation was important, but Jim had time to understand the plan and schedule surgery within the following six months.
That balance—taking the tumor seriously without creating unnecessary urgency—gave Jim the clarity he needed to move forward.
“He was very calm, which was good, because I had a ton of questions. He took his time and walked me through everything.”
— Jim Van ArsdaleRemoving the Tumor While Protecting Movement and Sensation
At Overlook Medical Center, Dr. Moshel performed a craniotomy and microsurgical resection designed to achieve complete tumor removal without compromising the surrounding functional brain tissue and critical veins.
Motor and Sensory Cortex
The tumor had compressed areas responsible for voluntary movement and sensation, making functional preservation central to the surgical plan.
Critical Draining Veins
The meningioma was intertwined with delicate veins draining into the superior sagittal sinus, a major channel for blood leaving the brain.
Superior Sagittal Sinus
The tumor’s attachment had to be carefully separated from the sinus wall without compromising blood flow or causing significant bleeding.
Complete Visible Tumor Removal With No Residual Tumor on Follow-Up MRI
The operation achieved the surgical objective while preserving the critical structures surrounding the tumor.
Gross-Total Resection
All visible tumor was removed during surgery.
WHO Grade I
Pathology confirmed a benign grade I meningioma.
No Residual Tumor
Follow-up MRI showed no visible tumor remaining.
Annual Surveillance
Routine imaging was recommended instead of postoperative radiation.
A Temporary Setback Followed by Rapid Progress
Jim’s recovery included a period of temporary right-leg weakness caused by postoperative swelling, followed by a steady return of strength and mobility.
Neuro ICU Monitoring
Jim spent several days in the Neuro ICU, where his neurological function and recovery were closely monitored.
Temporary Right-Leg Weakness
Postoperative swelling caused temporary paralysis in Jim’s right leg. His medication was adjusted, and the weakness resolved within a day.
Focused Physical Therapy
Jim approached rehabilitation with determination, quickly completing the functional tasks established by his physical therapist.
Cleared to Drive
By his first postoperative visit, Jim had regained his baseline strength and mobility and was cleared to resume driving.
When Symptoms Returned, Jim Still Had Direct Access to His Surgeon
About a month after surgery, Jim and his wife, Connie, traveled to Florida for a Caribbean cruise. The night before departure, Jim experienced sudden weakness affecting his right leg and arm.
Because Dr. Moshel knew Jim would be traveling, he had provided a direct way to reach him. They discussed Jim’s symptoms, his comfort level and the options for moving forward. Dr. Moshel prescribed the medication that had helped control Jim’s postoperative swelling and remained in contact throughout the trip.
Jim boarded the ship using a wheelchair. As the medication took effect, his strength returned progressively.
Back to a Life That Was Never Meant to Slow Down
By March, Jim was no longer taking the postoperative medications. At his three-month follow-up, he reported only occasional head discomfort and otherwise felt fully recovered.
Mayor
Jim returned to his responsibilities serving the residents of Green Brook Township.
Actor
He returned to appearing in television and film productions as a background actor.
Mentor and Husband
Jim resumed mentoring and lecturing while continuing to travel and enjoy life with Connie.
Get Answers From a Meningioma Specialist
Whether your meningioma was recently discovered, has changed during surveillance or surgery has been recommended, our team can review your imaging and help you understand the appropriate next step.
Individual outcomes and recovery experiences vary. Treatment recommendations depend on the tumor’s location, size, growth, pathology and relationship to critical brain structures.
An Unexpected Brain Tumor Diagnosis—and a Remarkable Recovery
When an MRI for an unrelated concern revealed a meningioma, James “Jim” Van Arsdale turned to Yaron A. Moshel, MD, PhD, and Atlantic Brain and Spine.
