Symptoms and treatment side affects from an acoustic neuroma can involve a range of physical, sensory, and emotional challenges. Knowing what to expect and how to manage these issues can help you maintain quality of life.
What happens: Hearing loss can occur regardless of whether you choose surgery, radiation, or observation. It depends on tumour location and growth along the auditory (8th cranial) nerve.
Managing it: Discuss hearing preservation with your doctor. Explore hearing aids and assistive devices early to support communication.
What happens: You may hear ringing, buzzing, humming, clicking, whistling, or even music. It can be constant or intermittent, mild or severe.
Managing it: While there’s no cure, coping strategies include sound therapy, masking devices, relaxation techniques, and stress management.
What happens: Some patients experience headaches after treatment. The severity can vary depending on the treatment approach.
Managing it: Pain can be treated with medications, regular exercise, alternative therapies, or, in rare cases, additional procedures.
What happens: Tumours often affect the vestibular nerve, causing unsteadiness, vertigo, or nausea. This can affect walking, driving, or work.
Managing it: Vestibular rehabilitation with a trained physiotherapist can improve balance. Compensation may naturally occur over time if one balance nerve is damaged.
What happens: Facial nerve (7th cranial nerve) involvement can cause weakness or pain. Recovery may be gradual.
Managing it: Facial exercises, neuromuscular retraining with a specialized physiotherapist, and sometimes nerve repair procedures can help restore function.
What happens: Problems such as dry eyes, excessive tearing, double vision, or incomplete eyelid closure can occur if cranial nerves 5, 6, or 7 are affected.
Managing it: Proper eye care—including lubricating drops, protective measures, and medical follow-up—can prevent complications and preserve vision.
What happens: Brain fatigue, memory or attention difficulties, depression, and anxiety may occur.
Managing it: Neuropsychological assessment can identify specific needs and guide therapy. Counseling, cognitive rehabilitation, and supportive strategies can help.
What happens: Temporary dry mouth, altered taste, or mild swallowing difficulties may appear post-surgery.
Managing it: Hydration, oral care, and exercises recommended by a speech-language pathologist or occupational therapist can improve these functions.
Tip: Symptoms and treatment side affects vary widely. Partner closely with your medical team, report new or persistent symptoms, and use rehabilitative resources early. Small, consistent interventions can make a significant difference in everyday life.
