Expert: Dina Q Goldin, Ph.D. - 2/9/2009

Question
I had an AN removed via the Middle Fossa approach in Jan 1998.  At that time, I was/had been experiencing short term memory loss.  I asked at the time of the operation, basically as a joke, if they could fix that.  They said no and that it was not related.

Since then I continue to have short term memory loss, which has only gotten worse. I have been trying to figure out what the cause is.  The only answer I consistently get is, "you ARE getting older".  This is more than forgetfulness.  I would REALLY, REALLY like to "get my brain back" (as I call it).

Do you think there is a correlation?  I have had consistent MRIs since the surgery to be sure it's not regrowing and the results are always the same:  They only see what appears to be scar tissue from the operation.

Could the AN be related to the short term memory loss?  Do you have any other ideas on what I could do to determine what the problem (and hopefully cure) is?  I have already seen a neurologist.

Thanks so much!

Answer
I am not clear whether you experienced any memory loss prior to surgery; it sounds like you did. Smaller ANs do not typically cause short-term memory loss.  If your AN was large, and was pressing against the part of your brain that is involved with short-term memory, then there is a possible connection. However, Mid Fossa is typically not done for larger ANs.

It is possible that your AN was atypical, growing on a different part of the vestibular nerve than usual; also, there is a chance that it was a different type of a neuroma, also benign and also growing in the same part of the skull, but in on a different nerve. They can appear similar, and be treated the same way; however, the symptoms would be different, including the possible short-term memory loss.

I am not aware of any fast "cures" for this problem. There is such a thing as cognitive therapy, that can work over time specifically at restoring short-term memory abilities. It will take some research to find experienced therapists in your area who have worked with conditions like yours, but it will hopefully be worth it.