HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

What Causes Headaches After Acoustic Neuroma Removal?

Posted on Thu, 3 Apr 2014

Question: I had a acoustic neuroma removed in jan 15, 2013 and have been suffering bad headaches ever since. all the timor has been taken out and I have had three mri since. I have seen doctors in Bermuda and been referred to Boston where I am seeing a specialist now for the headaches. I have been on every med , nerve block, two rounds of Botox and second time on Topamax and still nothing is helping. I am living in pain every day. I wake every night with headaches. I apply ice packs to the head all the tie as well for some relief. I have three to five times headaches a day and when I am stressed its worse. I cant yell, make a lot of movement that now I had to hire a cleaning lady to clean my house. This is ruining my life. I had none of this before the surgery besides numbness in the face. This has been over a year! I can't live like this! I have a three year old and two older teens and I feel awful and tired. My body is so strained. I have lost 30lbs. why is this happening and its only on the side of the surgery side. the right side!

Answered by Dr. Eris Ranxha (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Trigeminal nerve Detailed Answer: Hi Dear first of all I am happy that you have diagnosed and fully removed the tumor because acoustic neurinoma is a difficult diagnose! Anyway the headache that you are suffering can be expected after surgery because the location of tumor and during fully removal other nerve roots can suffer. The way you explain pain it's seems that is trigeminal neuralgia! You have to discuss with your neurologist about my opinion and than start treatment. Don't worry it is fully treatable!You should be happy for removing the tumor, all other symptoms are curable. Discuss with your neurologist about my opinion and I can sure you that after starting treatment you will be much better. Wish you all the best

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Eris Ranxha (5 hours later)

What is your opinion? I already know its do to with other nerves being cut and irritated. The question is how to treat this and heal it. Having headaches everyday is not a nice thing when pain is at a high of 10.

Answered by Dr. Eris Ranxha (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Tegretol Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for writing back. I think start using tegretol will release your pain but you have to discuss it with your neurologist about dosage!At starting therapy you can use antiinflamator till tegretol is efficacious. I really hope that tegretol will be effective. Anyway you should be happy, there are a lot of medications which can be used to treat headache and in your case I think tegretol will be a good choice. Wish you all the best Best regards Dr Eris Ranxha

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T