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Acoustic Neuroma Program

At a Glance: Our Acoustic Neuroma Program

The idea of a tumor affecting how well you hear can be distressing—and that’s why the doctors, nurses, and clinicians in our Acoustic Neuroma Program emphasize compassionate, competent, and individually-crafted care.

In fact, our team treats more acoustic neuromas than any other center in the Southwestern U.S. This directly translates into a group of specialists who excel at the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of acoustic neuromas, neurofibromatosis type 2 (bilateral acoustic neuromas), and temporal bone disorders.

Another key component of our success: monthly patient care conferences, where our team of doctors and specialists review images, diagnostic test results, and medical records to develop tailored-to-you treatment. As a patient, you or your loved one will have access to an integrated team of specialists to make sure an accurate diagnosis, top-notch multidisciplinary care, and a carefully considered treatment plan are regularly shared. To learn more about the Barrow Acoustic Neuroma Program, please call (602) 406-8811.

illustration of an acoustic neuroma

The Barrow Difference

Every year, experts at our Acoustic Neuroma Program at Barrow Neurological Institute treat 10 times as many acoustic neuromas than any other hospital in Arizona. What’s more, our co-medical director, Dr. Randall W. Porter, is a member of the board of directors of the Acoustic Neuroma Association.

We’re truly treating some of the most complex acoustic neuroma cases in the world, and our acoustic neuroma experts lead in the following subspecialties:

  • Neurology
  • Neuro-otology
  • Neuropathology
  • Neuropsychology
  • Neuro-rehabilitation
  • Neuroscience Nursing
  • Neurosurgery
  • Radiation Oncology
  • Vestibular Rehabilitation

Surgical and Non-Surgical Options

Our physicians tend to take a conservative approach for small acoustic neuromas that haven’t impaired hearing or otherwise affected quality of life. For tumors requiring a more aggressive treatment, we offer Gamma Knife and Cyberknife radiosurgery—beams of radiation used to target tumor cells and stop them from reproducing, while protecting nearby tissue—in addition to open surgery.

Numerous variables are weighed before recommending open surgery, such as symptom severity, age, tumor size and growth rate, hearing status, medical comorbidities, and personal preference. We make a point to provide on-site brain imaging and hearing tests to monitor tumors for growth, in order to help you or your loved one make the most informed decision.

senior woman on cellphone

Online Second Opinions

Our Second Opinion program means our world-class acoustic neuroma experts are able to recommend the best course of treatment—whether it’s observation, surgery, or a combination of treatments—entirely online, based on your acoustic neuroma size and location. Using our secure online portal, getting your Barrow Second Opinion is surprisingly simple and timely. Gather more information on getting your second opinion here:

Dr. Almefty is very meticulous and did a phenomenal job of getting a lot of the tumor off my nerve bundles. He got as much as he could without compromising my face, which I’m forever grateful for.

Jordan Lawley Barrow Acoustic Neuroma Patient

Location

Barrow Neurological Institute campus in 3D

Videos

Videos

Management of Acoustic Neuromas

Management of Acoustic Neuromas

See how Barrow physicians partner with our patients to manage acoustic neuromas.
Acoustic Neuroma Surgery

Acoustic Neuroma Surgery

Watch as Dr. Mark Syms and Dr. Randall Porter use a translabrynthine…

About Barrow Neurological Institute

Minding What Matters Most

Minding What Matters Most

Here at Barrow Neurological Institute, we are preserving thoughts, memories, dreams, personalities,…