In a few cases, your doctor may recommend an angiogram. A catheter is inserted through the large artery in the groin, and contrast dye in injected. X-ray images are then taken as the dye travels through the vessels of the brain. The test is done to determine the blood supply to the tumor, as well as the blood supply to the surrounding tissue. You may be given a mild anesthetic prior to the test, but you will be awake during the test so you can talk to the radiologist.
Some people report a feeling of heat or flushing as the dye is injected.
Often, the best treatment for a diagnosed vestibular schwannoma is surgical removal. The patient is taken to the operating room, and under general anesthesia, the tumor is removed. The neurosurgeon performing the operation will discuss the procedure, risks and benefits in more detail. Check the calendar.