I feel as if my head is splitting in half

[MsSerenity43]

Hello everyone.  I just joined the ANA discussion board.  I am just happy to be able to connect with fellow AN survivors and discuss our personal journeys.  I had my surgery eight years ago.  Lately I been feeling as if my skull has been splitting in half, and I even felt an dent in the middle of my head.  I also have been having headaches on the right side of my head (where I had the surgery).  I would like to know if anyone else has had anything similar to this or can offer advice.  I find it a little odd that this is happening to me almost a decade after having surgery.  Any remarks would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you. 

[Jim Scott]

Hello and welcome, MsSerenity ~ 

Your headaches do seem unusual for someone a decade past their AN removal surgery.  I'm just 3 years out and so far, no headaches.  However, I'm sure others will post to this thread that can possibly offer some ideas on this. 

Ultimately, I believe you'll have to consult a physician, preferably one who is familiar with acoustic neuroma patients and the complications that sometime follow AN removal surgery.  I have to offer the suggestion that the head pain you're experiencing may not be related to your AN surgery.  However, an MRI might shed more light on that possibility as well as answer other questions.  I would attempt to convince a doctor to order an MRI to at least give you the opportunity to learn if there is any visible cause for your headaches.  If not, seeing a pain management specialist may be your next best option. 

Jim

[CHD63]

MsSerenity .....

A welcome to you, as well.  We're here to assist in any way we can, even 10 years out.  Jim has outlined the route you should probably go.  I would definitely contact my physician and be assertive about needing an MRI with your history ...... this is assuming you have not had one recently.

Keep us posted on what you find out.

Clarice

[MsSerenity43]

Thank you so much for your responses.  My doctor had decided that I only need to have a MRI every few years, my last one was 2007.  My next MRI is scheduled for 2010.  I was wondering if I should wait for that time, but after reading your posts I am going to make an appointment tommorrow with my doctor.  The headaches concern me, but the biggest problem is the fact that I just noticed I have an indentation in the middle of my head that I am not sure was there before.  It is almost like a hole and it feels sometimes as if my skull is literally "splitting in half".  But again thank you and I will definitely keep you informed. 

[wendysig]

Hi Ms. Serenity and welcome,

I'm glad to hear you're seeing your doc.  This sounds like something that should  bet investigated sooner than later.  Even if it weren't for the indentation you've never noticed before, the severe headaches should be looked into.  Please keep us posted.

Sending good vibes your way,
Wendy

[epodjn]

Hi and Welcome,
This is a great place to find support and answers. I was just wondering what type of surgery you had i.e. translab, regtro, or middle fossa. Does the "hole" happen to be near the surgery sight? I have a definite sink hole by my scar and for a while it was quite painful and felt like my head was pulling apart, much as you describe. I think we all have a variety of lumps, bumps and holes and that it is a normal part of the healing process but since yours is happening so long after surgery I would have your doctor check it out.
Julie

[MsSerenity43]

Thank you again for your responses,

    Your replies are so much appreciated.  I have a visiting nurse service that visits me every so often, but my nurses never seem to understand what I am dealing with because I am usually their only AN patient. And my doctor is usually very busy so it is hard to get her on the phone sometimes.  So I don't have the opportunity to speak to other AN patients or anyone who understands completlely where I am coming from.  So this site is proving to be a valuable online forum for insight, prospective and support.  I had translab surgery.  But as what was eloquently stated with the nature of our condition, bumps and lumps is part of our healing routine.  It is just great for me to hear from other people who can understand my concerns.  Thank you again and I will definitely keep you all upated with my doctor visit.

Dorothy