The evaluation of an ependymoma begins with a medical history and physical examination.

The physical exam may be normal. However, physical findings can suggest the location of the tumor in the brain.

Physical findings in someone with an ependymoma may include:

• Weakness on one side of the body:
• Arm weakness (unilateral)
• Leg weakness (unilateral)
• Arm and leg weakness (unilateral)
• Numbness on one side of the body:
• Arm numbness (unilateral)
• Leg numbness (unilateral)
• Arm and leg numbness (unilateral)
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty walking
• Difficulty with balance
• Difficulty speaking
• Facial weakness:
• Facial drooping
• Loss of coordination
• Memory loss
• Confusion
• Vision changes:
• Double vision

The diagnosis of an ependymoma must be confirmed with testing.

Tests that may be used to evaluate ependymoma include:

• CT scanning of the brain
• MRI scan of the brain
• SPECT scanning of the brain:
• A newer method that may provide earlier detection of stroke in some cases
• PET scanning of the brain:
• Detects levels of brain activity
• Blood clotting studies
• Kidney profile
• Serum glucose
• Pulse oximetry
• Brain biopsy

For more information:

• Brain tumor evaluation
• Brain cancer evaluation
• Astrocytoma evaluation
• Glioma evaluation
• Ganglioneuroma evaluation
• Glioblastoma multiforme evaluation
• Oligodendroglioma evaluation