Contact Information Scan the QR code to learn Department more about other NNI@TTSH Neuroscience conditions , NNI Block, Neuroscience Clinic 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, 308433 Main Tel: (65) 6357 7153 Appt. Tel: (65) 6330 6363 Email: [email protected] Website: www.nni.com.sg

Scan QR code for NNI@SGH directions Singapore General Hospital, Block 3, Clinic L The National Neuroscience Institute operates out of Outram Road, Singapore 169608 two main campuses (TTSH, SGH) and Main Tel: (65) 6222 3322 four partner hospitals (CGH, KKH, KTPH, SKH). Appt. Tel: (65) 6321 4377 Email: [email protected] Website: www.nni.com.sg NNI @ KTPH

NNI @ SKH

NNI@CGH NNI@KKH NNI @ TTSH NNI @ CGH KK Women’s and NNI @ KKH 2 Street 3 Children’s Hospital Singapore 529889 100 Bukit Timah Road NNI @ SGH Appt. Tel: (65) 6850 3333 Singapore 229899 Appt. Tel: (65) 6294 4050

NNI@KTPH NNI@SKH Hospital General Hospital Brain Tumours 90 Yishun Central 110 Sengkang East Way Singapore 768828 Singapore 544886 Appt. Tel: (65) 6555 8828 Appt. Tel: (65) 6930 6000 Acoustic Neuroma

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Information correct as of April 2020 Understanding Acoustic Neuromas Depending on the location of the tumour, side e ects of the surgery may include hearing loss, facial weakness, An acoustic neuroma is a non-cancerous growth that Figure 1 paralysis, double vision, swallowing problems, mouth occurs near the facial nerve. They are slow-growing and Area inside the inner dryness, and unsteadiness. may remain the same size for years for some patients. In ear where tumours a small number of patients, the tumour becomes smaller grow The likelihood of unexpected complications is generally with time. low but include infection, bleeding, stroke, seizures, Signs of Acoustic Neuromas paralysis of limbs, coma and death. Radiation Therapy Signs vary and include: Risk Factors Smaller tumours are usually treated by radiation. A high • One-sided deafness, with noise in the a ected ear Those with rare genetic defects e.g. tumours growing on and precise dose of radiation is aimed at the tumour, with (tinnitus). The deafness may be gradual or sudden and nerve tissues (neurobromatosis) may be at a higher risk. no or low damage to surrounding brain structures. is experienced by 90% of patients Treating Acoustic Neuromas • Inability to understand speech i.e. one can hear sounds Support for Brain Tumours but cannot understand what is being said Surgery • Unsteady gait and poor balance Brain Tumour Society Singapore (BTSS) • Facial numbness and weakness Surgery may be required for patients with very large BTSS is a community of brain tumour patients, caregivers • Swallowing problems tumours causing severe brain compression and increased and survivors. The BTSS provides community support brain pressure. Diagnosing Acoustic Neuromas and resources such as befrienders, nancial assistance A neurosurgeon and sometimes a ear, nose and throat and public education. Started by brain cancer survivors, Auditory tests can reveal loss of hearing and the inability surgeon will determine if surgery is suitable, depending BTSS meets once a month so that members can share to understand speech. on the size and location of the tumour, and the health of experiences and advice on how to cope with the disease. the patient. A Computed Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance For more information, visit Imaging (MRI) scan can show the presence of an acoustic During surgery, fat or muscle may be taken from the www.braintumoursociety.org.sg. neuroma, even those that are still in the internal ear canal abdomen or thigh to close the wound. After surgery, the (Figure 1). patient will usually spend one to several days in the intensive care unit for monitoring and treatment.

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