Author Topic: Loss of Vestibular Nerve  (Read 212 times)

toddnelson

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Loss of Vestibular Nerve
« on: February 19, 2024, 02:15:38 pm »
Can someone kindly explain to me why I would lose my vestibular nerve if I opted for surgical removal of my rumor? If they can monitor and try to preserve the auditory nerve, why can't they do the same thing with the vestibular nerve?

MarlaB

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Re: Loss of Vestibular Nerve
« Reply #1 on: February 19, 2024, 03:35:31 pm »
My (limited) understanding is that the tumor grows in the sheath of the vestibular nerve. Beyond that, I don't know why people deal with balance issues so differently.

Check out some of the balance-focused webinars on the ANA video library. There are more in the member section.

https://www.anausa.org/learn-about-acoustic-neuroma/video-library


Greece Lover

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Re: Loss of Vestibular Nerve
« Reply #2 on: February 20, 2024, 09:42:55 am »
One more reply from me (sorry!):  The reason those nerves are removed is two fold. First, and most important, it's so the tumor doesn't come back.  Second, I think, is that we make a better recovery long term with those nerves gone than with them damaged.  Don't know if that makes sense, but I think those are the basic reasons. I know it seems weird, and I was surprised when I first learned it as well.  Where do you live? Do you have an experienced ENT doc who's handling your case?
Vestibular Schwannoma 1.2 cm. Right side.
Middle fossa surgery at University of Iowa on May 9 2016.
Hearing saved.  Face is fine. Balance pretty darn good most days.
One year follow up MRI showed no tumor. 
Five year follow up showed no tumor, so I'm in the clear.