From the Research
Headaches from acoustic neuromas can be managed through several treatment approaches, with the most recent and highest quality study suggesting that over-the-counter medications, lifestyle modifications, and definitive treatment of the acoustic neuroma may be beneficial 1.
Treatment Options
- For mild to moderate headache pain, over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) at 500-1000mg every 6 hours or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) at 400-600mg every 6-8 hours can provide relief.
- For more severe headaches, prescription medications such as sumatriptan (25-100mg as needed) for migraine-like symptoms or gabapentin (starting at 300mg daily and gradually increasing) for neuropathic pain may be beneficial.
- Steroids like dexamethasone (4-16mg daily) can reduce inflammation and pressure when headaches are caused by tumor-related swelling.
Lifestyle Modifications
- Adequate hydration, regular sleep patterns, stress management techniques, and avoiding triggers like caffeine or alcohol can help alleviate headaches.
- Physical therapy focusing on neck and shoulder exercises may alleviate tension contributing to headaches.
Definitive Treatment
- For persistent headaches, definitive treatment of the acoustic neuroma through surgery, radiation therapy, or careful monitoring might be necessary, as suggested by the study published in 2020 1.
- The decision-making process for acoustic neuroma treatment was based on size of tumor, age, and hearing loss, with a statistically significant difference found in the size of tumor and PTA of patients that underwent retrosigmoid surgery 1.