Acoustic neuroma

  I was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma (L) 12-10-98.  I was refered to your facility at that time.  Since then, I have become increasingly symptomatic, with increased dizziness, loss of balance and headaches.  How long should I wait or should I attempt to seek treatment elsewhere?  This is very frightening.  Thank you.
Dear RJR,
Acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor that arises from cranial nerve 8.  The earliest symptoms are hearing loss, headache, distrubed sense of balance and unsteadiness of gait.  It sounds as if you are having the early symptoms. As the tumor grows (usually slow) it can compress adjacent structures.  I am assuming you had an MRI scan at the time of diagnosis.  This would give important information about the size and relationship to adjacent structures and the urgency for surgery.  If you are not aware of this information, contact the doctor who made the diagnosis.  If you are interested in making an appointment with neurosurgery at the clinic call 1-800-CCF-CARE.  Good Luck.