AboutDina Q Goldin, Ph.D. Expertise Information and advice for Acoustic Neuroma patients who would like honest patient-to-patient interaction about their symptoms or about treatments and related medical procedures. If you are unsure if your experience is "normal", or are wondering whether your information is complete, feel free to ask.
Experience I am an Acoustic Neuroma patient and the founding editor
of the Acoustic Neuroma Patient Archive (http://www.ANarchive.org).
Question Although I don't think I have classic symptoms of vertigo, when I am walking I have a kind of visual disturbance, especially if I am in a crowd. Whatever I am looking at is kind of blurred. A close but not exact example would be what you would see if you were walking and making a video at the same time. Is is related to my acoustic neuroma or is it another problem? When I am sitting or standing still everything looks norma;, although if standing I may feel off-balance.
Answer Dear Wendy,
I am answering the three of your questions together. It certainly sounds like there is a general neurological problem, that's creating a sense of fullness in your ear, blurring your vision, and affecting your sense of balance. Most likely, this is related to your acoustic neuroma. In particular, it sounds like a condition called hydrocephalus, which you can read about in the Acoustic Neuroma Patient Archive (www.ANarchive.org). This should not be left untreated, so please contact your AN doctors so they can make a proper diagnosis.
If hydrocephalus turns out to NOT be the cause, then other possibilities include tumor regrowth, or an unrelated viral infection.
