Acoustic neuroma severe dizziness

[donna ann]

Acoustic neuroma 1 cm. right side   severe dizziness  Surgery not advised watch and wait  repeat mri 3 months  no change  meningoma also no need for treatment.   Why vertigo  gets worse??  Is there any treatment??  

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-SH]

First of all, keep in mind that I am unable to diagnose you because I am unable to examine you, this forum is for educational purposes.
    Acoustic neuromas are a non-malignant tumor that arises from the 8th cranial nerve (also called vestibular schwannomas).  The most common presentation of acoustic neuroma is decreased hearing on the side of the tumor.  However 20% will also have vertigo (sensation of room spinning) and up to 70% will have a sense of imbalance.  Many patients also have tinnitus (ringing in the ear).  Larger tumors (from 1.5 cm to 3cm) can also cause facial weakness/numbness, hemi-facial spasms and pain).   Acoustic neuromas are often treated conservatively (no surgery, repeat MRIs) until they are greater than 1.5 cm or the symptoms become unbearable.  There are a number of risks associated with the procedure (which you should discuss with your surgeon) including permanent hearing loss, loss of balance/vertigo, CSF leaks, and chronic recurrent headaches.  Many patients will require vestibular rehab after surgery.  There is also Gamma-knife radiation for poor surgical candidates, but if surgery is required after gamma-knife then the rate of complications are even higher.  Thus the decision to have surgery or to wait is a complex one, and with a small acoutic neuroma (1cm) the risks of surgery may outweight the potential benefits.  I would suggest that you go to a major academic center and meet with a neuro-otologist (neurologist that did a fellowship in ear/balance/vertigo issues) for a second opinion.
I hope this has been helpful.

[alchris]

Hi can I ask what they did to diagnose you with an acoustic neuroma.  I actually believe I have a tiny one myself.  My symptoms are wavy head feeling, ringing in ears, contant headache and a odd noise like pain going thru my right ear.  I also have a strange type pressure right sided only that when the pressure builds I actually feel a release of fluid draining again into my right ear sometimes when the fluid is draining heavliy I then feel it into my left ear.  the odd thing is too on three MRI's I have a small bright spot with contrast show up in the auditory canal and every doctor keeps telling me its an aritficat.  But I keep telling doctors everything bothers me on the right side esepcially my ear.  I would love if you can offer me any suggestions as myself like you are at your wits end.  Being yours was so tiny I was told tiny ones are even harder to diagnose.  I still cant understand especially looking at this forum how doctors cant contribute someones pain to there findings.  Thanks for listening.

[donna ann]

It was found on MRI with the contrast.  My symptoms started as vertigo  feeling of fullness in right ear and some ringing.   Second MRI showed no change in size but my symptoms are worse   Dizziness all day every day.    Research on the net is great for symptoms of AN    Good luck

[Bobadeli]

Could you give more details as what exactly you call a vertigo?since when? any association symptomes? aggrevating factores..did you try any treatments

[donna ann]

Hi  I have been on a steroid twice  It works well, but once it wears off the severe dizziness reoccurs.   I have had no other treatment.  I was advised by neuro surgery to watch and wait and the otologist said the same.  I have constant tinnitus and balance problem.   Repeat MRI in 3 months.  No radiation is recommended due to the vertigo  and at my age, surgery was not offered   (58)  in general good health.  I am trying desperately to find some kind of relief for the dizziness.  It is constant.   Any advise?   Donna

[donna ann]

I forgot Dx made in December with MRI   I was doing fine  but had gen anesthesia for vocal cord polyps January  After surgery  symptom worsened.    I have my mri's on cd and second was unchanged after 3 months.  Have good hearing still in that ear.  Wondered if Gen anestic could have caused the severe dizziness and balance probem.