Vestibular Schwannoma in Arlington & Northern Virginia

Name: Vestibular Schwannoma
Brand: Virginia Neurosurgeons
Rating: 4.7 (23 reviews)

Vestibular Schwannoma is a noncancerous tumor that develops on the vestibular nerve in the inner ear affecting hearing and balance. Large schwannomas can put pressure on surrounding brain structures causing weakness, walking problems, and other neurologic issues. Though usually slow-growing, it is important to have a clear treatment plan once the diagnosis has been made.

Vestibular Schwannoma Treatment

Cranial surgery for vestibular schwannoma, also known as acoustic neuroma, involves the removal or treatment of the tumor affecting the vestibular nerve. This procedure is crucial for addressing symptoms related to hearing and balance. For comprehensive and expert care, consider consulting with Virginia Neurosurgeons, where our experienced team is dedicated to providing the highest-quality neurosurgical treatments.

Specialists in Cranial Surgery for Vestibular Schwannoma Procedures and More

Virginia Neurosurgeons stands at the forefront of brain surgery for vestibular schwannoma, offering a legacy of compassionate care and cutting-edge expertise. Our board certified brain surgery specialists collaborate with skull base experts in ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgery to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailor to your particular case, offering academic level care in a community setting.

About Vestibular Schwannoma

The vestibular nerve connects the inner ear to the brain and plays a crucial role in balance and hearing. When the slow-growing vestibular schwannoma expands, it exerts pressure on the adjacent structures, affecting the inner ear and causing a range of symptoms. These may include gradual hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), and imbalance. Pressure on the surrounding critical brain structures can lead to further neurologic symptoms such as weakness, walking issues, and incoordination. The goals of surgery for vestibular schwannoma include:

Tumor Removal:

The primary goal is the safe and complete removal of the vestibular schwannoma.

Preservation of Hearing:

Surgeons strive to preserve as much hearing as possible during the removal process.

Relief from Symptoms:

Surgery can alleviate symptoms such as tinnitus and imbalance, and other neurologic problems the tumor causes by exerting pressure on the surrounding brain.

Prevention of Further Complications:

Early intervention through surgery can prevent the tumor from causing more severe complications.

Surgical Treatments for Vestibular Schwannoma

The experienced surgeons at Virginia Neurosurgeons, in collaboration with skilled skull base ENT surgeons, employ advanced minimally invasive techniques for treating vestibular schwannoma when surgical intervention is needed. These methods mean increased precision and reduced disruption to surrounding tissues, promoting quicker recovery and improved patient outcomes. The choice of approach depends on factors such as tumor size, location, and the preservation of hearing whenever possible. After thorough imaging studies confirm the diagnosis, several surgical approaches may be considered:

Middle Cranial Fossa Approach:

This technique involves accessing the tumor through a small incision above the ear, allowing surgeons to directly visualize and remove the tumor while preserving hearing.

Translabyrinthine Approach:

This approach requires an incision behind the ear and the removal of the mastoid bone and inner ear structures. While it may result in complete hearing loss, it provides direct access to larger tumors and facilitates total tumor removal when necessary for overall health

Retrosigmoid Approach:

This technique involves accessing the tumor through an incision behind the ear without removing the mastoid bone. It is often chosen for tumors of various sizes and offers a balance between tumor removal and hearing preservation.

Recovery after Surgery

After surgery for vestibular schwannoma, the recovery process typically involves a hospital stay for monitoring and initial recovery. Patients may experience temporary symptoms like dizziness, hearing changes, or facial weakness, which can gradually improve over weeks to months. Close post-operative follow-up with your surgical team helps monitor progress, address concerns, and support patients through their recovery journey.

Schedule Your Vestibular Schwannoma Consultation at Virginia Neurosurgeons in Arlington

Don't hesitate to schedule a consultation regarding vestibular schwannoma treatment with one of our experienced cranial surgeons at Virginia Neurosurgeons. We're here to provide personalized care, answer your questions, and explore the best treatment options tailored to your specific case.