Reassurance

[waawooh]

Hey guys, 20f here. I’ve had vertigo for the past 5 days and had a similar experience back in May which only lasted a couple of days. I’ve had slight ear pain on the left hand side and have been getting slight headaches and eye pain on the same side for a while now. The vertigo seems to come and go and only comes on when I move my head in a certain position, especially after I’ve laid down for a while. I thought it could be an inner ear infection but the doc suggested it may be an AN and I would just like to get your opinions? I’m incredibly scared and would like any reassurance at all. Thanks!

[waawooh]

It should be noted that the pain is very manageable and also I don’t have any hearing loss/tinnitus as far as I’m aware. I do get ringing in my ears sometimes that lasts for only a couple of seconds and that occurs on both sides. Sorry for wasting your time if it’s not an AN but it’s been suggested so I’m pretty nervous about it. Any help or tips would be greatly appreciated!

[Bad1]

I wonder who is ‘your doc’? As far as I know most A N ‘s are discovered following investigation for unilateral hearing loss/ tinnitus. If you google vertigo or ear pain you will get very many potential explainations as dizziness is such a common problem with many causes .I am surprised that this doc would mention an AN which is very rare and clearly has caused you anxiety, unless you have had hearing tests or MRI scan or the medic in question has specialist knowledge, in which case he should refer you for appropriate tests.

Please do not allow yourself to be so anxious in the unlikely event you have AN ; many do not grow , all can be treated if necessary. I count myself lucky every day that I do not have any other brain disease or tumour and can live my life as before

[waawooh in reply to Bad1]

I think he mentioned it as I have had vertigo recently and he couldn’t see any sign of infection. He suggested an MRI if it doesn’t clear up and when he saw that I was distressed by this he explained that it might be an AN which is very treatable. I do think it’s probably a viral infection or something as my throat is also sore, plus my vertigo has improved since Monday. Thank you so much for the reassurance! I’ll give an update if I do end up going for an MRI.

[Tabbycat]

Good morning waawooh

Sorry to hear about all you are going through, made even more difficult by having to cope with the current Covid-19 situation I should think.

The gold standard test for diagnosing an Acoustic Neuroma is an MRI scan with contrast, if possible. When I was referred to an ENT specialist with loss of hearing on my right side, they gave me an MRI without contrast at my local hospital 'just to rule anything sinister out'. The ENT consultant said he thought it might be an AN, but referred me on to the skull base team at the nearest specialist hospital, where my scan results were looked at by no less than two neurosurgeons and a consultant radiologist. They confirmed the diagnosis.

Acoustic Neuromas are quite rare; they need to be diagnosed by a specialist in that field.

I belong to BANA (British Acoustic Neuroma Association) and pre-Covid attended their local support meetings. I soon realised every AN sufferer is different, very few have all the possible symptoms. Some didn't have any noticable hearing loss until after their brain surgery to remove their tumour. Not everyone has tinnitus, vertigo or headaches. You need to get a second opinion, go back to your doctor and asked to be referred to a specialist.

Stay well and safe!

[SJa2020]

All the v best & I know exactly how you feel. I was given the same “diagnosis” by an A&E Dr after Going in. This was after 20 Days of hearing going on left, ear ache, face drooping & numbness on head & ears. Oh & full course of antibiotics & sprays from GP.

Went to ENT Consultant where file stated I had an AN when he realised it was based on A&E Doctors words, just said come back in 6months if you still have symptoms & then will send you for MRI!! Wish these medics didn’t say these diagnosis & if they did make sure the tests follow to either confirm or rule it out! (Grr!)

Trying to go pvt. to get the MRI! Grr. It doesn’t help that still bad with headaches, dizziness etc

All the best. Keep pushing. Ask GP /Dr for MRI to get an answer , if possible.

[louise60693]

Your symptoms sound very similar to mine, I have an AN but they are not too concerned about the compression. Been referred to London now, the tertiary centres are brilliant, good luck xx

[Kristyll]

It well could be an AN but no point worrying until you are sure of the diagnosis, and whatever it is, believe me it will be a relief.

[alberte]

I have an AN that was discovered last year (because of one-sided hearing loss) and for which I received radiotherapy in January. I had several episodes of extreme vertigo about 7 years ago and I told my oncologist about that, thinking that perhaps it might have been related.

She said that it probably was not related and might have been a virus or something like that. So hopefully your case isn't an AN. Get a scan and you will know for sure. Even if it is one, there are excellent treatments for it so don't lose hope!

[keithzx12r in reply to alberte]

I am sorry to hear of anybody with an Acoustic Neuroma that the Gp knows nothing about. I had three, yes three in my !eft ear in 1987. Removal left me deaf in my left ear and facial palsy on the left too. 30+ years later I am still here aged 83. Best wishes, Keith

[Shannon_TBTC Partner]

Hi waawooh, this must be an incredibly worrying time for you and I hope the comments so far have been helpful.

You can read more about what is an Acoustic Neuroma, its symptoms and treatments on the following webpage- thebraintumourcharity.org/b...

Should you have any questions about this, and would like to speak to a member of our Support and Information team please call 0808 800 0004 (Monday- Friday, 9-5) or email [e-mail]

With best wishes, Shannon