Recently diagnosed AN - Neurosurgeon Questions
Found out last week (7/6) that I have left side AN (2.8 cm by 2.7 cm). I'm 43 (m) and have been having symptoms going on for about 1.5 to 2 years. Started as mild and intermittent headaches/ disequilibrium/ dizziness that I chalked up to stress and too much time in front of the computer at work because the symptoms didn't seem to be noticeable in the morning and on weekends. About a year ago I suddenly lost ~50% of my hearing in my left ear one day, and long story short, after many tests and other treatments (hearing, ENT, vestibular PT, etc. etc.) over these past 11 months I was finally given an MRI. Prior to last week I had never heard the term acoustic neuroma so this is still sinking in honestly. Glad to finally have a diagnosis and getting into the next phase though. My 50% hearing loss mostly recovered (maybe 20% loss now?) but the feeling of pressure in my ear never went away. Aside from that, my symptoms (dizziness/ balance, headaches, ear pressure, fatigue, tinnitus, etc) have all been getting worse over the past couple of months...
I've had a second MRI since the diagnosis and have a consult with a neurosurgeon (UCSD) on Monday. I already have a list of questions from reading/ searching here and the ANA website, but I wanted to ask what questions did you ask (or plan to ask) your neurosurgeon that helped to fully understand the diagnosis and treatment options? I know this first consult is likely just the start but hoping to get as much useful information as possible from the get go.
Thank you!!