Facial Paralysis

[CraftyOne]

Hello All,
I was diagnosed today with a 2.1 cm AN.  I am considering all options, and have a question - has anyone had surgery without facial paralysis?  I don't have it now, and I am scared to death I will get it from surgery

[CHD63]

Hi CraftyOne and welcome to this forum of caring and supportive new friends .....

It is highly recommended that you seek opinions from physicians with vast experience treating specifically acoustic neuroma.  In today's world, with experienced surgeons, it is unusual to have permanent facial paralysis.  Some of us experienced mild facial involvement for a few days following surgery, which usually resolves quickly.

That being said, people who have experienced facial paralysis most often are patients who had huge ANs, or some other complicating factor during surgery.

Try not to worry about that possibility.  Also, keep in mind that many, many patients have had successful surgeries with no complications and never post here or on social media.

Best wishes .....

Clarice

[chrisabbott]

That is reassuring to hear Clarice,

I have a large but not huge AN (3.1 cm) and have had facial numbness since last November.  Last week, I experienced the symptoms in my head that tell me something is changing, and I thought my fairly mild facial symptoms had got worse.  Today I met the neurologist that diagnosed me in March, and the first thing she said, was my facial droop had got a little worse since she last saw me, so I know its not my imagination.... I'm not horribly freaked at the thought of having some issues post surgery, but I wouldn't welcome permanent issues, especially with my eye (I really should've bought shares in an eye drop company!)

It makes sense that folks with ongoing issues would be the ones to spend more time online seeking answers and sharing their experiences - I sure hope I get to be someone that shares a positive experience soon (surgery scheduled for June 13th).

[Cheryl R]

There are many who have no facial paralysis.      The ones with issues tend to stay on facebook and this forum while many leave and are back to their lives with possible adjustment if do lose the hearing.         What damage the tumor has done to the facial nerve plays a part.    Also some swelling a few days after surgery.     Most times it is temporary.     The biggest issue if one does end up with some for a time is to be patient and let the nerve heal.  Not an easy thing.         I hope it goes well for you.         Cheryl R

[Patti]

Nice to be reminded that people without problems just go on with life! This site attracts those of us who have issues! I had a big tumor and had extreme facial paralysis after surgery and it has improved a lot but is still there. But i have accepted it. My husband still thinks I am the most beautiful woman in the world! And more importantly, I feel pretty!  Good luck to you!

[Maria Odete]

Hi Patti,

One of my daughter's made an observation recently regarding the appearance of my face. She told me that my face has always been pretty, but now my face is  prettier than ever before. Like you, Patti, I feel pretty as well.

Maria Odete

Surgical Team: Dr. Fraser Noel, ENT/Otologist/Neurotologist, Victoria, B.C. Canada and Dr. Michael Boyd, Neurosurgeon, Vancouver, B.C. Canada

[Sundragon]

I went through surgery in May and had most of my tumor removed. They left a "skin" on my facial nerve. But in removing the tumor, my facial nerve has been traumatized. I have severe facial droop and had to learn how to drink and eat and even talk like I used to. This was my worst nightmare... I thought. I hope it helps but keeping a positive attitude and going to therapy and doing exercises are crucial. I thought it would be my worst nightmare but in all reality, I am just glad to be alive and am now starting to see some recovery. 3 1/2 months so far and many more to go I am sure.  I wish you the best of luck in the future. Stay positive!

[Enri]

I had retro in 2016.  I had no facial issues before and have no facial issues post surgery.

[jami]

I love all the positivity, as everyone goes through such life changes.

I had retrosigmoid 8/18 and had most of the tumor removed. The tumor was growing on my balance nerve, but pretty sticky on the facial nerve. Was fortunate that there was not facial nerve damage during the 10 hour surgery. They chose to leave some bits of the AN to save the facial nerve.

That remnant did grow a bit, so i had cyberknife 4/19. The surgeons are confident another surgery to remove the tumor would damage the facial nerve. (will learn in a few weeks if the CK made a difference).

First few months post surgery, I had minor drooping, and it was obvious i was tired when my eye would start to be closed on its own. Even now, i get numbness + twitches + aches, but its all doable.

My sister had as stroke a month ago (36 years old, such a bummer) and is really struggling with the right side of her body including facial drooping, emotionally. I tell her stories about the amazing people on this forum who find their life again and see their beauty. Thank you all for sharing your stories. Its a bit off topic, but this whole experience has helped me see people and their beauty differently.