How effective is stereotactic radiosurgery for acoustic neuroma?

The treatment uses carefully aimed radiation rather than an incision. Its purpose is usually to stop further growth; the tumour may remain visible on scans and can change in appearance as it responds. Hearing may be preserved in some people, while balance symptoms or ringing can persist. The nearby facial nerve and structures involved in hearing are considered during planning.

Suitability depends on the scan, symptoms, general health and whether the neuroma is stable or growing. A larger or unusually positioned tumour may need surgery, observation, or a combined plan instead.

Bring previous MRI reports and hearing-test results, along with a list of medicines and any changes in balance, hearing or facial movement. Ask how the treatment team will measure control on follow-up scans and how often those scans are planned. Discuss whether the goal is growth control, hearing preservation, relief of a specific symptom, or avoiding an operation.

You may be offered a frame or a customised mask to help keep your head still. The session itself is planned around the target and nearby nerves; follow-up is part of the treatment because response is assessed over time.

Contact your treatment team promptly for worsening weakness of the face, new trouble swallowing, severe or persistent headache, repeated vomiting, a sudden change in hearing, or marked deterioration in balance. Seek urgent help for a seizure, collapse, new confusion, or sudden severe neurological symptoms.

Which features of my MRI make radiosurgery suitable? How will you protect the facial and hearing nerves? What changes should I expect in hearing, tinnitus or balance? What is the alternative if the neuroma continues to grow?