Expert: Dina Q Goldin, Ph.D. - 7/30/2008

Question
I had an Acoustic Neuroma removed about 3 yrs ago, not really any problems, lost my hearing in that ear and also a balance nerve, and no tear duct in that eye, but recently every now and then i'll get a sharp jab pain in that ear, its really fast, but its sharp and hurts, it doesnt linger, but just comes and goes, any idea what this might be?  Thanks

Answer
There is a possibility that you are having a recurrence of your AN; it is not uncommon, if the surgeon accidentally overlooked a small bit of the tumor and it regrew.  All AN surgery patients should have follow-up MRIs to check for regrowth. Please have one soon. Make sure it is performed with gadolinium, a contrasting agent to detect AN if it's there. Also make sure it is read by a neuroradiologist. A radiologist is a medical specialists who prepares a report on your MRI for your doctor; a neuroradiologist is a radiologist specializing in problems of the skull. Even if there is no AN, they will hopefully be able to figure out what the problem is.

If AN is found, please consult a radiosurgeon about having it treated.  Surgery for AN regrowth carries extra risks due to the presence of scarring from the first surgery, and radiosurgery minimizes those risks.