Climate Scientist Faces New Challenge: A Large Brain Tumor

As a former snow and ice scientist in the cryospheric sciences laboratory at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Dorothy Hall studied climate change in cold regions. Her profession took her on numerous field expeditions in the northern U.S., Canada and the Artic.

But in May 2024, Dorothy faced an unexpected journey when she was diagnosed with a large brain tumor. In addition to constant headaches, Dorothy experienced difficulty with walking, feeling unsteady and dizzy at times. In recent months, her appetite and energy level had suffered as well.

Dorothy saw an ear, nose and throat specialist believing she may have a sinus condition. From there, she was referred to a neurologist who ordered an MRI. Upon reviewing the MRI results, the neurologist told Dorothy she needed to go straight to the nearest Emergency Room.

When Dorothy arrived at Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital, she was seen by Hamid Borghei-Razavi, MD, Neurosurgeon and Director of the Brain Tumor and Pituitary Center. Dr. Razavi delivered concerning news: Dorothy had a large meningioma, a common benign tumor of the brain.

“This was an emergency situation because Dorothy also had hydrocephalus, an accumulation of fluid on the brain due to the tumor,” Dr. Razavi says. “The tumor was obstructing the fluid connections in the brain.”

Disbelief fades to euphoria and gratitude

Dorothy was in a state of disbelief.  “I’d never heard about meningiomas before this,” she says. “I thought I’d have time to go home and study about it to learn more.”

Instead, Dorothy was admitted to the hospital in order to have the advanced tumor removed as soon as possible.

“Most meningiomas are slow growing and we follow the patient closely over time,” says Dr. Razavi. “In Dorothy’s case, her tumor was large and symptomatic. It was critical to remove the brain tumor so we could improve her symptoms and quality of life.”

Following a small craniotomy (a surgical procedure that involves removing a portion of the skull to access the brain), Dorothy woke up feeling like a new person.

“It was a feeling I can’t describe,” she says. “I was euphoric at the outcome and very grateful for the competence and caring of Dr. Razavi and his team. All of my symptoms were gone and I recovered from the surgery quickly. My brain felt much clearer and my energy came back.”

Before long, Dorothy returned to her daily routines, taking long walks every morning and evening without any problems.

“Dorothy has a very good prognosis,” says Dr. Razavi. “We were able to completely remove the tumor and improve her fine motor function, controlling by her cerebellum which was under severe pressure by tumor.”

“My brain felt much clearer and my energy came back.”

Dr. Razavi stresses the importance of taking chronic headaches seriously. “If they are constant, affect your quality of life or wake you up at night, then you need to see your physician,” he says. “While meningiomas are commonly benign, once they start to grow, they might become symptomatic and can cause seizures, behavioral and cognitive changes and other deficits.”

Dorothy is thrilled with the outcome, to be able to live a full life again. “I am very grateful for what Dr. Borghei-Razavi and his team have done for me.”