Health
Early Brain Tumor Signs: A Subtle Journey
Health Points
- Subtle symptoms like tingling and hearing loss can signal deeper health issues.
- An MRI is crucial for diagnosing vestibular schwannomas, which are slow-growing, benign brain tumors.
- Early medical attention and proper treatment can lead to better outcomes.
Stephen Greene, a 44-year-old attorney and father, began noticing unexpected tingling on his tongue and hearing loss in one ear, signs he initially dismissed as minor issues.
He visited doctors over several months as symptoms gradually worsened, eventually leading to an MRI that would change everything.
“I thought maybe I had a little bit of earwax or water in my ear, or I thought maybe I was getting over COVID,” Greene says.
The MRI revealed a vestibular schwannoma, a non-cancerous tumor affecting the nerves for balance, hearing, and facial sensation.
Dr. Omar Arnaout, a neurosurgeon, explains, “These are slow-growing, benign tumors, and the symptoms tend to be pretty subtle. So it’s very common for people to go a while before they get diagnosed.”
Most initial signs, like Greene’s gradual hearing loss and tingling, are often overlooked or attributed to minor conditions, especially in healthy adults.
A hearing test identified a specific pattern of hearing loss, prompting further investigation that led to Greene’s diagnosis.
Although smaller tumors may be monitored, mid-sized ones like Greene’s require intricate surgery to relieve pressure on critical nerves and the brainstem.
In Greene’s operation, part of the tumor was left in place to protect nerve function, and he experienced a lengthy but ultimately successful recovery.
He is now exploring adaptive devices to help with permanent hearing loss.
Greene’s story highlights the importance of tuning in to subtle body changes and seeking medical advice when something feels off. Proactive care can make all the difference in successful treatment and recovery.