ENT vs Neurologist

[knit78]

Just looking for some feedback/opinion on seeing an ENT vs a neurologist for AN treatment. I was diagnosed by an ENT and he was referring me, I thought, to a neurologist. However, I discovered that he's just another ENT. I'm hopeful to have surgery to have this tumor removed and it seems like a neurologist would be better suited for such a thing. Thoughts?

[Jim Scott]

Hi, and welcome to the ANA website discussion forums.

I suspect your ENT is referring you to another ENT with AN experience.  I would suggest you also seek a consult with a neurologist who has experience with acoustic neuroma patients. 

I never saw an ENT for a diagnosis or my surgery.  My PCP examined me, listened to my list of symptoms and sent me for an MRI.  The scan confirmed I had a 4.5 cm AN. From that point I consulted two neurosurgeons, the first having been recommended by my PCP.  I hired the second one, who had decades of experience with AN patients.  He did a remarkable job with an excellent outcome.

Not all ENTs are conversant with acoustic neuromas and may not be up-to-date on the latest techniques and procedures.  I suggest you seek out doctors who have a real familiarity with acoustic neuromas and a record of successful removals or radiation.  Although ANA doesn't recommend specific physicians, the ANA website offers help in selecting a physician with AN experience in your area.  Clink this link to go to the appropriate page on the website: http://www.anausa.org/index.php/selecting-a-medical-professional

We're here to inform, advise (when appropriate) and most of all, support AN patients on a peer-to-peer basis.  Please visit the discussion forums as often as you feel necessary to avail yourself of the wealth of information the ANA and our members have to offer.  We're eager to assist you in whatever way we can. 

Jim

[CHD63]

Hi knit78 and welcome to this forum .....

The different names for ear, nose, & throat doctors (more commonly called ENTs but can also be called otolaryngologists) is a bit confusing, at times.  There are neurotologists (comes from the term for a branch of otology concerned with those parts of the nervous system related to the ear, especially the inner ear and associated brainstem structures) and you will even see neuro-otolaryngologists, who have very specific training and experience in the treatment of acoustic neuromas.

Neurologists are doctors who specialize in disorders of the brain and central nervous system, but not necessarily specifically acoustic neuromas.

Typically if one is having a surgical removal of an AN, it involves a neurotologist and a neurosurgeon, who work together ..... although there are neurosurgeons who work alone, as well.

Hope that helps a bit, in addition to what Jim has already told you.

Clarice

[chloes mema]

Also, try seeing a neurotologist. 
Neurotology or neuro-otology is a branch of clinical medicine which studies and treats neurological disorders of the ear. It is a subspecialty of otolaryngology, ...
My ENT referred me to a neurotologist.

Karen

[JWW]

-----Original Message-----
 From: szymon.t@hotmail.com <info@anausa.org>

 Sent: Wed, Sep 19, 2012 1:30 pm
 Subject: Request for help
 

Hello,

I read on this forum that you had a consult with Dr. Arthur L. Day.
My friend Justyna from Poland (I'm from Poland too) has a serious problem with
tumor in her brain. I found on the Internet that Dr. Day is very good specialist
and I hope that he can help her.
Maybe you have e-mail address of Dr. Day? Her family and me would be really
appreciate if you can help us.

Best regards,
Szymon

Have any of you had an email about this doctor recently. I think it is very suspicious being from Poland!

JW

[leapyrtwins]

My ENT referred me to a neurotologist.

He (the neurotologist) did my surgery along with a neurosurgeon.

Jan

[knit78]

Thank you for the insight. I now actually have an appointment at Mass General with Dr. Barker, who I have heard very good things about.

[leapyrtwins]

I've heard very good things about Dr. Barker also.

Good luck 

Jan

[geexploitation]

Barker was my surgeon and I had a good experience with him. If you have questions let me know.

[Sheryl]

Dr. Arthur Day operated on my husband's meningioma in Boston but has since moved to Houston.  I do not think he routinely reviews or gives advice without having seen the patient in actual consult.
Sheryl

[MDemisay]

Guys,

I guess I used my resources here and didn't trust anyone on Staten Island. As most of you know, I had an operation that removed 3 AVM's in 1974. I had been seeing a neurologist at what was then called Colombia Prebyterian now called NY Presbyterian. I had been seeing them on and off for 30 years mostly off. So in 2011, after a serious fall, I visited my ENT on Staten Island and when he gave me my diagnosis..I went back to my original neurologist, only there was a problem, he was dead! Therefore, I was sent to a new neurologist in the same place, who referred me to the neurosurgeon who took over from my original neurosurgeon who had retired.

Life goes on after 30 years, some people die, some retire! Doctors especially the good ones, after all are just humans, by the way!

It would do us good to remember that, they are capable of mistakes too!

Which brings me back to my original point, why choose somebody from Staten Island when you can choose NYC and the hospitals there?

Mike

[Lynn Mc]

 I also had Dr. Barker along with Dr. McKenna.  Have the utmost respect for both of them.  Good luck on your journey.