Gamma knife and nerve damage

Posted by cheri808 @cheri808, Jul 28 2:29pm

I had gamma knife in January 2023 for 3 tumors, one being a schwannoma. In November I started experiencing numbness in my face on the left side, same as schwannoma. The neurosurgeon said it happens in about 15% of patients and can take up to 2 years to resolve. I lost my hearing at that same time and my balance issues have worsened. Anyone experienced the same and have any suggestions on how to address constant dizziness and imbalance?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Brain Tumor Support Group.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Aug 5 5:04pm

Hi @cheri808, I'm sorry that you belong to that group of 15%. Here are some discussions where people have discussed related issues.

- Balance, Dizziness, Disequilibrium, Oscillopsia, etc.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/balance-dizziness-disequilibrium-oscillopsia-etc/
- balance issues with post frontal meningioma surgery
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/balance-issues-with-post-frontal-meningioma-surgery/
- Vestibular Schwannoma Hearing Loss Treatment?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/vestibular-schwannoma-hearing-loss-treatment/
Did the hearing loss worsen after treatment? Have you noticed any improvement in the facial numbness over the past 18 months since surgery?

dlc1953 | @dlc1953 | Aug 11 10:46am

I’m sorry that you’re having issues. I had Gamma Knife in March (my 6 month checkup is next month). Fortunately I breezed through it. A little hair loss and occasional headaches. My surgeon told me that the tumor will (swell) get bigger before it goes down in size. I’m fortunate to have an incredible team at the U of P. Best wishes.

mwhitejasp | @mwhitejasp | Aug 22 10:38am

I canceled my gamma knife procedure because three neurosurgeons were against it. It depends on the location of the tumor. Mine is in the olfactory groove. Too many nerves and obstacles.