Schwannoma

[Al__0]

Posted By Al on June 19, 1997 at 18:43:19:









Two years ago I was diagnosed with Bells Palsey on the right side of my face.  The diagnosis was based ono results received from an MRI by my neurologist.  He advised that the type of Bells I had would remain with me for life.  During the last two year period I had recurring flareups which included loss of muscular control on my right face, inability to close right eye and some hearing loss.  Three weeks ago I had an unusually bad flare up and was unable to close my right eye for a number of days.  One morning I awoke with very blurred vision in my right eye, like someone coated my glasses with vaseline.  My family doctor felt the eye was attempting to protect itself and prescribed eye drops.  This helped.  He also requested that I have another MRI to see what changes, if any, had taken place since the last MRI, 2 years before.  My Opthalmologist examined the eye and everything was fine.  The results of the MRI suggested a schwannoma.  In doing some research through medical libraries on the internet I found that schwannoma is another term for neurofibromatosis or tumor.  I have seen the MRI and can see the white mass which was circled by the doctor.  I would like to know what causes the flareups of the Bells and if indeed it really is Bells considering the tumor.  I will be going to a neurosurgeon next week and would like some information on the subject and what options I have.  Can a tumor cause Bells?  Is it wise to wait six months and examine it again?  Apparently it's not very big.  I thank you for your help.