“Results are back, can I give them to you now”

Unfortunately it is not the news we were hoping for.

The scan shows that you have a benign tumour called an acoustic neuroma. PAUSE

Would you like me to explain the condition

• It is a non-cancerous tumour/growth of the brain. This means it does not spread

• In particular it grows on the nerve used for hearing and balance, which can cause problems such as hearing loss and unsteadiness.

• This is why you are getting the symptoms you have been describing

Treatment options

• Conservative –these are slow growing so we can keep you monitored with annual scans to see if it is getting better

• For hearing – use hearing aids

• Tinnitus – mainly distraction techniques

• Surgery – remove tumour – risks associated with this including losing hearing

• Radiotherapy

Refer to skull base surgeon and discuss at MDT to see which is best option

Even with treatment, symptoms such as hearing loss and tinnitus can persist and affect your ability to work, communicate and/or drive. These problems may need additional treatment

I am sorry, I know this is not the news you were expecting

If dizzy need to stop driving as per DVLA (DVLA guidelines for acoustic neuroma)

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