MedifocusHealth

Acoustic neuroma has a significant impact on the quality of life of patients particularly following surgery. It is important for patients to be aware of the issues that may develop and to discuss them in depth with the neurosurgeon before undergoing treatment. Most of the literature on quality of life issues relating to acoustic neuromas deals with the postoperative period. The literature about quality of life following stereotactic radiosurgery is somewhat more limited.

In 2001, a study was published in England regarding postoperative symptoms and quality of life in patients with acoustic neuromas. The findings showed that quality of life was significantly affected and work capacity was also reduced. The highest number of symptoms and the lowest ratings of physical functioning were associated with excision of large tumors. Vestibular problems, common among the patients with larger tumors, were associated with low ratings of social functioning. Women scored lower than men regarding issues of vitality, physical functioning, and pain. Patients with symptoms which involved pain reported greater problems relating to general health, rather than social functioning. Postoperative fatigue and lack of drive were common complaints. Overall, quality of life was significantly reduced which translated into problems of social functioning, work, and activities of daily living. However, the data also indicated that symptoms continued to improve several years after the surgery.

Symptoms that were reported in this study included:

• Vestibular dysfunction - Balance problems were reported by 78% of the respondents and 28% of those patients considered them incapacitating. Patients were more likely to complain of vestibular dysfunction if they had larger tumors excised.

• Facial nerve dysfunction - 63% of patients reported experiencing symptoms of facial nerve dysfunction (e.g., facial numbness). It was also noted that there was no correlation between facial nerve function as described by the patients and objective assessment carried out by a clinician. Clinician assessment of the level of facial nerve functioning was typically rated higher than how patients assessed themselves. Of the patients who experienced facial nerve function recovery, 63% reported that the time to recovery was longer than 9 months. Facial nerve function continued to improve significantly over time.

• Tinnitus - this symptom was reported by 57% of patients in one study and 14% reported that symptoms of tinnitus affected their sleep quality.

• Postoperative headaches

Less common postoperative symptoms reported by patients in this study included:

• Anxiety
• Sleep disturbances
• Depression
• Dental problems
• Eye problems including excessive dryness if there is incomplete eyelid closure

To read more about this study, please click on the following link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&listuids=11213956&queryhl=1&itool=pubmed_DocSum