Anyone else diagnosed with acoustic neuroma, a benign brain tumor?

I was diagnosed with an Acoustic Neuroma on my left side in February 2006. It's size was 8 x 14.5 x 8.5 mm. I had hearing loss, ear ringing, and balance issues. I received Gamma Knife treatment at the University of Minnesota Fairview hospital in Minneapolis later that same year. After 10 years of monitoring the tumor with MRI's there has been no additional growth and my neurologist said that future MRI monitoring is not needed unless the symptoms change. So far so good (2018) !. My primary care physician suggested I try treatment at the National Balance and Dizzy center in St. Paul for my balance issues. They give you exercises to improve you balance. This really improved my balance and eliminated the severe dizziness. I still do the exercises from time to time if I my balance feels a little off. It usually helps. I also got a hearing aid to help with the hearing loss and I also think it helps a little with the ringing in my left ear. Nothing eliminates it and that is probably the worst symptom to me. It is also a constant reminder that the tumor is still there ! I get a hearing test every year just to keep track and my hearing loss has remained about the same after the initial loss. I am posting here because I wanted to share my story and that the balance exercises have really improved the dizziness, balance issues and just that crappy feeling you get in your head! It sounds like other people are also doing various exercises to improve their balance. The Gamma Knife treatment was a 1 day outpatient treatment with no side effects and a little bit of pain from screwing the halo into your head. I'm 60 years old and retired and do not think much about the acoustic neuroma anymore but have other aches and pains and medical issues to worry about as I get older !

I am so pleased to hear that you have done so well since your Gamma Knife treatment, @jmlane, of 10 years ago.

Just wondering, you mention balance exercises, does that include vestibular therapy or other types of physical therapy?

You know, @rose4622, if the insomnia continues on a regular basis a call to the neurologist might be helpful. If this is a usual symptom following surgery, the doctor's office might be able to offer suggestions to help. Post-surgery, we all need rest to recover and get back to normal.
How many hours are you sleeping at night, and how many days have you been experiencing the insomnia, now?

Over a week. 4-5 hours a night. I have an appt with endocrinologist Friday. May be changes to tsh. Could also be depression. I get it every year at this time. Going back on depression meds.

yes I think so. It involves few different exercises. Following a pen with your just your eyes then with your head, side to side, up and down diagonal etc. First slow then fast. Turning your head from side to side as you walk. Stand on a pillow looking at a fixed object. Roll from side to side when you are laying down in bed. etc.

Yes, @jmlane, some of that does sound like vestibular therapy.

I am glad to hear that you will be seeing a doctor soon, @rose4622.

Is insomnia part of the symptoms of depression for you at this time of the year? Do you still have care at home to help you get to appointments, etc.?

Yes. I have a adult daughter and a son here. My hubby works days.

My endocrinologist just filled my prescription. I'll know in a few days if low thyroid was the problem. ☺

Thanks for sharing Gary
I may have to go through Gamma knife the first of next year to zap the pieces of tumor left after resecton of a 3,3 cm tumor Sept 10. I dont want to do it. Im still recovering and cant see myself going through that. Im 68 and still have balance issues. My hearing aids dont work well now that my hearing is completely gone now. Can afford another one. Life is so hard right now.