Based on patient reports, whatever the cause, there is a clear potential temporary effect on short-term memory after microsurgery, and some lesser degree of mention of cognitive problems by some patients after radiation, and patients should be aware of this. But we are not aware of any scientific studies that support a significant long-term problem for any significant percentage of patients, nor of any studies at all that general intelligence is affected by any treatment. At the same time, this area of acoustic neuroma information is continually evolving. Talk to your doctors about these issues for the most current information. Ken Erickson, M.D. may be the foremost person in this area.
Neuropsychology is a field that trains doctors to evaluate cognitive and other changes and symptoms.
Be sure to get pre-approval from insurance on all medical treatments and evaluations. For information on copyright restrictions and permissible use, click here .