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Acoustic Neuroma: Balance issues years after treatment
Brain Tumor | Last Active: Dec 17 11:45pm | Replies (12)Comment receiving replies
I had surgery to remove my acoustic neuroma 16 years ago and now I have to use a walker or cane because of my imbalance.. It has taken away my ability to enjoy my life. I am so out of balance that when I walk I am afraid people will think I am drunk! I can’t go into a store or grocery shop any longer. I am so unsteady I’m afraid I will fall. I have fallen a number of times including a fall which caused three staples in my head and concussion. I’m 80years old women and still feel my health is excellent except for my balance. I’m perfectly ok if I’m sitting. Strange!?
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@cherides, I appreciate everyone's insight on your journeys.
Hello, my dear. My name is David. I am 66 years old. I have a vestibular schwannoma in my left ear nerve. (I refer to it as Bob). I still have partial hearing in that ear. My balance is ok most days. I have not driven myself anywhere in 8 years. A few months ago, we found out about my tumor. I did what most people do these days: I searched Google and YouTube to see what it is. I was actually excited about the possibility of being able to explain a lifetime of what I thought were mini strokes. But this was not to be the case. The first neurosurgeon let me know the symptoms I was having (except hearing loss) were most likely not associated with Bob. However, when I pressed the discussion on my left eye and left facial numbness issues, they did not think Bob was causing this. And, the pressure in my skull and constant migraine headaches were definitely not a known issue with this type of tumor. They recommended the Gamma Knife. I did not want to slow or stop the growth; I want Bob gone. I do not like the idea of radiation in my head. I think it would add more questions when the next event happens. They were matter-of-fact. The Gamma Knife was the only way to address Bob.
I scheduled a second opinion out of state. A few weeks later, we visited with a second neurosurgeon team. They also recommended the Gamma Knife. They would not think about cracking my skull open until I addressed my other health issues. They let me know that Bob was 2.4 cm and we should monitor its growth with another MRI in a year unless symptoms change for the worse sooner. From their experience, they advised I should not have surgery until it is necessary. The possibility of worsening effects on the facial nerve and total loss of hearing and balance issues, as well as other complications, was too great. They also noted that in some instances, if it's attached to the facial nerve, they have to leave some of the tumor to avoid paralyzing that side of the face. This could grow back a few years down the road, requiring the Gamma Knife anyway. The plan forward is to wait and watch.
So, I am working on controlling my migraines. Morning sun is the worst.