MRI scan

[staceyb1986]

Hi all, I have always had mild hearing loss in both ears, i was referred to ENT because i noticed the hearing in my right ear had gotten much worse, I answered the phone at work and could not hear with that ear. ENT doctor requested an MRI scan which I had today. looking to see what everyones symptons were with AN? recently apart from the hearing loss my vision is more blurry than what it used to be but I am short sighted so could mean I need to start wearing my glasses. I also every so often get pin and needles in my hands and i could not sleep one of the evenings last week because my leg felt numb. I have also felt dizzy recently. the one thing i have not had is tinnitus

i am also about to see ENT regarding keep smelling smoke in my nose even though I do not smoke. It drives me crazy its very strong.

thank you for reading

[Njd59]

Hello, Stacey,

Well you've made a good start by noticing these symptoms and seeing your GP - I was really shocked to find out about my AN, as I'd hardly noticed the poor hearing and tinnitus! Many of us say that the waiting for scan results is the toughest part, and the mind can overwork trying to analyse aches & pains and other odd symptoms. All the best with the process, and keep talking with your GP if the other symptoms persist. Nicky

[Leodo]

Hi, understand your concerns, you need your clear diagnosis first, so you are doing the right things, my wife has had lots of side effects including facial palsy, eye closure issues and then after gamma knife surgery she had fluid on the brain which caused all sorts of issues., but at the same time have heard lots of people have had an AN but with very little effect. I think it’s always good to talk, hope all goes well keep us posted. Happy to try and answer anything specific if I can, it’s all based on our experiences no medical qualifications but you become very aware of some of the issues.

[Jduckworth in reply to Leodo]

Hi Leodo, has your wife's tumor grown since the radiation surgery and if so did she have the surgical resection done? I had Gamma knife almost 3 years ago but it has grown and I've had a few episodes with my face/eye closure, twitching, etc. I also have dry mouth and burning tongue syndrome that I never had before Gamma knife surgery.

[Leodo in reply to Jduckworth]

Hi, The Tumor has grown slightly, consultant says this is expected, it has a darker middle which again is expected, it shows that the radiotherapy is having an effect. This can result in worsening side effects for a period (not certain how long maybe 6 to 12 months) then in theory it starts to implode in on itself. Can only rely on these expert opinions, he has lots of experience.

[anan88]

Hello-my sense of smell was affected after the AN op - smelt burnt garlic for weeks/months. I think the symptoms can be very varied indeed. Best of luck, thinking of you, and you'll be fine. Anxious for a while, but fine. X

[Jduckworth]

Hi Stacey, I had very similar dx as you in that one day I couldn't hear anything on the phone in my left ear. I had episodes of dizziness and distinguishing where sound was coming from as well. At the time I was an adult wearing braces, so the braces had to come off before the MRI could be done. The MRI confirmed I had an acoustic neuroma. I was a watch and wait patient for over a year before I decided to have Gamma Knife Radiation treatment. It has been almost 3 years but unfortunately the tumor is growing and I have to start my search again in case I need to have the tumor removed. I am meeting with neurosurgeons at the end of the month.

[staceyb1986]

thanks for all of your replies it is much appreciated. Guess its just a waiting game now until results. i will keep you updated

[Ellafen]

Hi I smell smoke from time to time I've read it's quite common. I believe this is completely nothing to do with an AN. My husnand had one removed in feb and did not suffer from any of your symptoms apart from the hearing loss. I've read so much about it this year and we could relate the AN to his symptoms. which was loss of balance, incredible headaches, mood swings and in the end major committing. Hope this helps. I wish you well. Lisa

[drdeanbellavia]

It would seem that since the olfactory nerve isn't even close to the facial and 8th cranial nerves that an AN would have no effect on the olfactory system. Thus, the weird smells shouldn't be caused by the AN.

[anan88 in reply to drdeanbellavia]

My olfactory effects were all definitely part of the whole AN stuff. I suppose it depends on the size and location of the AN, the surgery and surgeon, and then the Gamma effects and one's own healing process and duration. Everybody is an individual, and so many AN patients have the strange smell effects it's unlikely NOT to be related. Thinking it's a symptom of something entirely unrelated to worry about in addition to the AN could be extra totally unnecessary stress.