Patient Review

  • Patient’s Name: Anonymous
  • Patient’s Age: 32
  • Patient’s Gender: female

Symptoms

  • Right-sided hearing loss
  • Imbalance while walking

An Overview of the Case

Retrosigmoid Suboccipital Craniotomy and Microsurgical Tumour Excision of Vestibular Schwannoma

This case study describes critical clinical findings in a patient with right-sided hearing loss and walking imbalance. A right vestibular schwannoma was detected in the patient. After a thorough diagnosis, Dr. Gurneet Singh Sawhney, one of the best neurosurgeon in India, recommended surgery to remove the tumour.

Moreover, Dr. Gurneet Singh Sawhney has gained extensive skills and experience performing minor to complex neuro and spinal surgeries from the past 14 years. Hence, patients have immense trust in him. Thus, they prefer him for complicated neurosurgeries like craniotomies, brain surgeries, and tumour excisions.

Abstract:

In this case, the patient has been diagnosed with a right vestibular schwannoma. Acoustic neuroma, also known as vestibular schwannoma, is a benign tumour that develops on the major (vestibular) nerve, connecting the inner ear to the brain. Branches of this nerve directly influence balance and hearing. Pressure from an acoustic neuroma can induce hearing loss, ringing in the ear, and instability.

Early detection of an acoustic neuroma can help prevent the tumour from developing large enough to cause significant repercussions like total hearing loss. Rarely, it can grow to the point that it presses against the brain, interfering with vital functions. Regular monitoring, radiotherapy, and surgical removal are all options for acoustic neuroma treatment.

Case Presentation:

A 32-year-old air hostess with complain of right-sided hearing loss and imbalance while walking consulted Dr. Gurneet Sawhney. He is one of the best neurosurgeon in Mumbai, India.  After examining the patient’s condition, Dr. Sawhney suggested an MRI scan. She was diagnosed with right vestibular schwannoma.

The brain MRI showed a large tumour arising from the right-sided vestibulocochlear nerve or the hearing nerve and was compressing on the brain stem. Further, Dr. Sawhney recommended surgery for the same.

After explaining the procedure and receiving detailed consent, the patient underwent right retrosigmoid suboccipital craniotomy and microsurgical tumour excision under intraoperative neuromonitoring. The biggest challenge in this surgery was preserving the facial nerve, or the patient may suffer a drooping paralyzed face throughout her life. Dr. Gurneet Singh Sawhney was able to preserve her facial nerve.

At present, after a year of her surgery, the patient looks confident, beautiful, and smiling gloriously. Her current MRI showed no residual tumour.


Treatment and prognosis

  • The patient underwent surgery named right retrosigmoid suboccipital craniotomy and microsurgical tumour excision under intraoperative neuromonitoring

Physical Examination & Tests

  • MRI scan

Post-Operative Assessment

The patient’s condition improved after surgery. After the procedure, the patient was discharged from the hospital within a few days. The patient was given medications to take after the surgery.