Post-Treatment > Facial Issues

Face Numbness with AN...NEED ADVICE

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kjmema:
I'm new here and need some ADVICE.  For three months I've had one side of my face going numb.  No pain and no paralysis.  Just a tight numb feeling.  After several doctors and a CT and MRI they have discovered a small, (3mm) AN on the left side.  I have NO AN symptoms.  No hearing loss, dizziness etc. and the doctor seems to think the facial numbness is not related.  NOW to make matters worse two days ago the other side of my face started feeling numb.   :-\  This goes from my forehead all the way to my chin and around behind my ears.  Has anyone had this with such a small AN???  I know it's the trigiminal nerve but I either have two things going or the small AN is causing the problem.  I just have to belive there is a connection somehow.  I'm 64 and pretty healthy.  My only med. is Synthroid which I've taken for years..  ALSO where does everyone go to find good doctors.  I've found that Mass General and Mayo seem to be the best but they are a long way from Missouri where I'm located.  I want the best doctors avaliable.  My doc. here says the AN is so small that they will just watch it.  I've read that there are noninvasive treatments to keep it small.  ANY information would be appreciated

Derek:
I am not aware of any non-invasive treatment that ensures the growth of the AN is halted. Can you enlighten us please as to where you read about that?

Regards

Derek

amymeri:
My first and only symptom of my large Acoustic Neuroma was right sided facial numbness. 

I think the treatments you are referring to might be gamma knife or cyberknife which are radiation treatments to halt the growth and hopefully shrink the tumor.  It is certainly not without side effects and risks but a wonderful option for those with smaller tumors like yours.

The House Clinic in Los Angeles is probably the best place nationally, but there are many ENTs and Neurosurgeons that could manage your AN.  Do your research and look for a major teaching hospital nearby.  Call House and ask for recommendations for surgeons in your area as well.

Good luck! And Welcome to the board,

Amy

amymeri:
Ooops, I replied to your post and then saw your personal message!  My tumor was removed by a neurosurgeon who specialized in skull based tumors.  It was big (4cm) and most of the tumor was outside of the internal auditory canal.  A tumor as small as yours is definitely a candidate for GK or CK.  Good places are Pittsburgh and the Cleveland Clinic.  You can make just one visit for treatment!  A friend of my husband's went to Pitt last week and was treated and back to work a few days later.  A far cry from the 4 months off work and continuing recovery that I had.  Small tumors can cause lots of symptoms but are much easier to treat.  Usually facial numbness is a sign of a larger tumor but could be a result of WHERE your tumor lies or of your particular anatomy.

There is no rush with a tumor that small, but I would investigate the GK/CK as one option if you can't stand the idea of watch and wait!  For some people WAW makes them crazy and they just need that tumor gone!

Amy

Derek:
Hi again kjmema...

Apologies if the non-invasive treatment you referred to was in fact radiosurgery / radiotherapy...in my haste to find the elixia I was thinking that there was something else available that I had missed!

Regards

Derek

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