Hello -I am in Western MA. I was just diagnosed w an Acoustic Neuroma by MRI w contrast. Just got results on May 1st. Report says :There is Enhancing lesion in the left internal auditory canal which protrudes into the cerebellarpontine angle cistern consistent with a vestibular schwannoma. This measures @ 14mm transverse x 9mm AP x 6mm cranioaudal. Brainstem appears normal. Fourth ventricle is in the midline.
My GP has referred me to an ENT-- the 1st available appointment anywhere thus far across the state is July 19th , at a satellite office of MA Eye & Ear. The Boston Eye & Ear main hospital told me the 1st available opening was not until January of February !! This is the beginning of May
Is it normal to have such a long wait?
If anyone has any insight on my report, or advice in general, please feel free to share with me.
I have been reading a lot and am familiar w treatments but of course there are still so many questions. Mostly timeline and appointments - choosing the best Dr. etc.
--> I have had 2 past CT scans of my head w out contrast which were "normal" , no findings. Both times were ER visits from HORRIBLE SUDDEN vertigo. Tumbling and spinning . Vomiting - and all other bodily functions lost all together beyond my control. Inability to speak or think. The 1st was @ 5 years ago , the 2nd was last March 2023. They feared stroke thus the CT scans. No stroke
"Vestibular neuritis" was what I was discharged with the 1st time after a few days stay -- last year it was "vertigo". Each time the vomiting and spinning only stopped after anti nausea meds + IV Prednisone. Walking was difficult days after. I have had a few mini vertigo attacks that were short lived but passed and did not require a hospital visit.
Over the past 5-6 months I have begun to get headaches way more often than usual -daily at times @ 5pm or upon waking- cluster type behind my left eye-(but I do have pinched nerves cervical spine also ) I have mild ringing in my left ear, pretty much always , but ignorable - It's worse when it's quiet - I keep white noise + fans on -- at night when I lay flat in bed ringing is louder. I haven't noticed any hearing loss. I do have periods where ear feels full or clogged and my jaw at same time in very back at hinge area kind of dull numb. This had decreased since i started taking allergy medicine daily. I am a bit unsteady wobbly on feet but I have always been clumsy
) I have found my self queasy more as of last 2 months- car sick feeling almost and especially when in restaurants or busy gatherings. Weird. I know.
Thanks for listening . I look forward to any advice
) ~ Amy