What to expect from stereotactic radiosurgery for acoustic neuroma

The team uses magnetic resonance imaging or other scans to map the vestibular schwannoma and protect nearby structures, including the hearing, balance and facial nerves. A frame may be attached to the head after local anaesthetic, or a frameless mask may hold your head still. The choice depends on the equipment, tumour position and your treatment plan.

You lie on a treatment couch while focused beams are delivered from different directions. There is no surgical incision into the brain, and the radiation itself is not felt. The appointment includes preparation, imaging and positioning, so the overall visit is longer than the beam-on time. Headache, scalp tenderness, tiredness, dizziness or nausea can occur around treatment.

Ask whether you should eat, drink and take regular medicines as usual. Arrange transport if you receive a sedative or if balance symptoms make travel difficult. Tell the team about hearing changes, facial weakness, numbness, headaches, pregnancy possibility and implanted devices.

Rest after the appointment and follow instructions for any pin sites or mask-related skin irritation. Keep hearing and balance follow-up appointments. The neuroma may not shrink immediately; scans over time and checks of hearing, facial movement and balance show how things are changing.

Contact the treatment team for persistent vomiting, worsening headache, new facial weakness, facial numbness, a significant change in hearing, severe imbalance or a seizure. Seek emergency help for sudden severe headache, collapse, confusion or new weakness in an arm or leg. Report symptoms promptly even when they seem unrelated to the treatment site.

Ask whether a frame or mask will be used, how hearing and facial nerves will be protected, what short-term effects are expected, how balance symptoms should be managed, when imaging will be repeated, and what signs should trigger an urgent call.