How effective is brain tumour surgery for acoustic neuroma?

An acoustic neuroma, also called a vestibular schwannoma, grows near the hearing and balance nerves. Surgery may aim for complete removal, planned partial removal followed by monitoring, or relief of pressure on the brainstem and nearby nerves. A smaller tumour may allow different surgical choices than a large one.

Possible effects include changes in hearing, facial weakness, dizziness, headache, or balance. Some people need rehabilitation, hearing support, or additional treatment. Regular scans are used to check the remaining area or surgical site over time.

Discuss the recommended operation, its goal, and alternatives such as observation or focused radiation when appropriate. Ask how your current hearing and facial movement will be recorded, how balance therapy may help, and who will coordinate follow-up. Arrange practical support for recovery, including help with walking and daily tasks if needed.

After surgery, contact the team for worsening headache, fever, wound drainage, increasing facial weakness, severe dizziness, or repeated vomiting. Seek urgent help for a seizure, new confusion, fainting, trouble breathing, or sudden severe weakness.

Is the goal complete removal or safe control? How might the operation affect hearing and facial movement? What symptoms suggest a cerebrospinal fluid leak? When will scans, hearing tests, and rehabilitation begin?