Acoustic Neuroma

[Nic B]

My father was diagnosed with a 2cm AN about 5 years ago. He could not have it removed because of its proximity to the facial nerves, so he opted for radiation which was used to stop the tumors growth. We live near Boston so we have (hopefully) had the best care possible, but unfortunately my dad is miserable more and more everyday. He has had to all but completely give up driving due to his spins and dizziness, he has very poor balance, can not hear at all from his left ear, he can not concentrate for long periods of time without getting sick, and has a constant migraine. I can not help but wonder if there is anything at all I can do. He is 6'5" and about 285lbs, so his dizziness is a very real hazard when he falls and my mother and I can barely pick him up. He has a lot of pride which causes him to never ask for help but his work (as an engineer) is a 40min drive away and they seem to be getting a little fed up with his medical issues. They have been understanding thus far and I drive him as often as I can manage, but I was wondering if there are any non narcotic ways of helping him improve his balance and concentration. He had to give up conventional medications because of the side effects. The drug he was taking shut down higher brain function and was making his concentration ten times wose which he needs as an engineer. Does nayone have any suggestions, I was advised to try to get him to do yoga but I don't know how well it will work, he is a big man and not so flexible at 50.

[Nancy T]

Has he been seen by a vestibular therapist (PTs with additional training in vestibular issues)? They can help patients' balance with specific exercises. Ask his AN doctor if a referral to a vestibular therapist would be appropriate. Make sure it's someone who SPECIALIZES in vestibular therapy. One source is the lists on the Vestibular Disorders Association Web site, but you still have to ask the people on those lists about their credentials and experience with vestibular disorders. But ask his doctor first.

Best of luck--dizziness can be awful. I take Strattera (an ADD medication) for concentration problems; it's been fantastic and no side effects for me, but my dizziness has never been very bad, and was not due to AN although I do have one-sided hearing loss. My heart goes out to your dad.

If he has actual migraines, has he seen a neurologist for this? There is a type of neurologist called an oto-neurologist who specializes in dizziness and balance. Migraines can cause or exacerbate dizziness. So even though he has an AN, maybe migraines are making things worse? There are lots of migraine medications you can try--he just needs to see the right specialist. Again, you might ask his AN doctor if he knows of an otoneurologist in your area.

Nancy T.