Recovery Activities for an Acoustic Neuroma

Acoustic neuromas, or vestibular schwannomas, are benign tumors that target the eighth cranial, or auditory, nerve, which extends from the brain to the middle ear. Larger tumors can cause complete hearing loss and dangerous fluid buildup in the brain. Surgical removal is necessary for these substantial masses. Once surgery is performed, recovery is relatively straightforward, assuming the patient follows some important pre- and post-surgery tips.

Preparing for Surgery

• The objective with surgical excision of the tumor is preservation of the facial nerve. Avoiding injury to this nerve will stave off paralysis of the face and retain hearing. Patients undergo general anesthesia, and the tumor is removed through a skull incision. Because surgery can take up to 12 hours, according to Hearing Info, you may experience bruises or sore spots on your feet or tailbone from lying immobile for so long. Be sure the surgical team provides cushions for these areas. Some surgeons and staff suggest patients chew gum in advance of surgery. This serves to strengthen the facial muscles around the surgery site for swifter healing.

Addressing Nerve and Eye Damage

• Following surgery, you will be taken to the intensive care unit for monitoring, partly to ensure recovery from the anesthesia, for about 24 hours. You may experience shivers or nausea as you come out of anesthesia, as well as pain. Ask for extra blankets and keep your doctor or nurse apprised of your pain-medication needs. If your cranial nerve doesn't recover after surgery and you experience facial paralysis, you can undergo hypoglossal anastomosis, a quick nerve-graft procedure, to restore muscle movement to the face. Be careful to avoid dry eye by using saline drops to keep your eyes moist. Dry eye is a frequent problem after acoustic neuroma surgery. It can occur even when there's no damage to the facial nerve. The cornea can ulcerate, which leads to scarring and permanent eye damage. To fully avoid this problem, have your tear ducts plugged to create a reservoir for your tears.

Avoiding Headaches and Balance Problems

• For some acoustic neuroma patients, headaches can be a problem immediately following surgery. See your doctor about getting the headache medication that's right for you. Sometimes tension in the jaw, which can be typical of acoustic neuroma both pre- and post-surgery, can be the cause. Ask your doctor about stress-relieving techniques.

  Balance problems are typical after any inner ear surgery. Exercises are useful. One easy exercise involves tip-toeing along a hallway for several minutes morning and night, extending your arms toward the walls in the event of a fall. A vestibular rehabilitation facility can offer other exercise ideas. Patients have found tai chi and magnetic insoles helpful in restoring balance as well.

  Full recovery from acoustic neuroma surgery can take up to six weeks or more.