Neuromas, etc.
Full top view MRI from 11/12/01 with my neuroma circled in green. This was taken right before Gamma Knife surgery.
Full top view MRI from 1/27/16 more than 15 years later showing dramatic reduction in size of my neuroma circled in green.
Full different angle MRI (front view slice) from 1/27/16 with my significantly reduced neuroma circled in green.
General ear anatomy. The black square illustrates where an Acoustic Neuroma is found and is enlarged in the image directly below. (Illustration courtesy of my college biology textbook)
An enlarged diagram of the ear illustrating where an Acoustic Neuroma grows. (Illustration courtesy of www.dizziness-and-balance.com)
Common symptoms present when a patient first comes to a physician. (Illustration courtesy of emedicine.medscape.com)
A screen capture taken from a youtube video of an Acoustic Neuroma that was too large for Gamma Knife. The patient had appropriate brain surgery to remove the neuroma. Click the link below the image to see the actual youtube video.
Note: If you type ‘acoustic neuroma’ into the youtube search box, you will find dozens of videos about neuromas, most involving the brain surgery to remove large neuromas. Needless to say, early diagnosis can be a key to finding neuromas small enough to allow Gamma Knife treatment like I had. Also, I recommend ‘Googling’ acoustic neuromas, as you will find many dozens of pages to refer to. The important thing is to become super educated about neuromas so you can make an intelligent, informed decision about the best course of action for you. I recommend doing lots of reading, lots of research, and getting 2nd and 3rd opinions!
Best of luck!
Regards,
Russ Doren
