Vestibular Schwannoma Treatment in Turkey
- Top Accredited Hospitals
- Global Medical Standards
- Cutting-Edge Technology
- Proven Treatment Options
- High Success Rate
- Trusted by Millions
What is Vestibular Schwannoma?
A noncancerous tumour called a Vestibular Schwannoma forms on the major nerve that connects the inner ear to the brain. The vestibular nerve is the name of this nerve. The nerve's branches directly impact hearing and balance. Hearing loss, ringing, and balance issues can all be symptoms of pressure from a Vestibular Schwannoma. The Schwann cells that cover the vestibular nerve give rise to an auditory neuroma. Vestibular Schwannomas often grow slowly. On rare occasions, it could spread out rapidly and get big enough to put pressure on the brain and interfere with essential processes.
What is the Importance of Timely Treatment?
Timely treatment is important because Vestibular Schwannomas can exacerbate hearing loss and balance function even if they are not growing. Untreated Vestibular Schwannomas can result in a potentially fatal accumulation of fluid in the brain or in the compression of the brain stem and cerebellum.
What are the symptoms of Vestibular Schwannoma?
Vestibular Schwannoma symptoms can take years to manifest and are frequently overlooked. The tumor's impact on the hearing and balance nerves may result in symptoms. Additionally, the tumour may exert pressure on the facial nerve, which controls face muscles, and the trigeminal nerve, which controls sensation. Vestibular Schwannomas can impact brain structures or blood vessels. The likelihood of more obvious or severe symptoms may increase as the tumour grows.
The following are typical signs of a Vestibular Schwannoma:
- Loss of hearing, typically occurring gradually over months to years. Rarely, hearing loss may occur suddenly. Usually, one side experiences hearing loss, or it is more severe on one side
- Tinnitus in the afflicted ear (ringing in the ear)
- Loss of equilibrium or unsteadiness
- Lightheadedness
- Numbness in the face and, in rare cases, loss of muscle mobility or paralysis.
Causes and Risk Factors of Tethered Vestibular Schwannoma
Causes
The primary aetiology of tethered vestibular schwannoma is NF2 gene mutations, which lead to tumours that can stick to surrounding tissues. Patterns of tumour growth, previous surgery or radiation therapy, and the development of scar tissue that binds the tumour to surrounding structures can also lead to it.
Risk Factors
Having a parent with neurofibromatosis type 2, a rare genetic condition, is the sole known risk factor for auditory neuromas. However, only around 5% of occurrences of auditory neuromas are caused by neurofibromatosis type 2.
Permanent side effects from an auditory neuroma could include:
- Loss of hearing
- Weakness and numbness in the face
- Balance issues
- Ear ringing
- Sometimes, the passage of cerebrospinal fluid between the brain and spinal cord is blocked by large tumours pressing on the brainstem. Hydrocephalus is the accumulation of fluid in the brain. The pressure inside the skull rises as a result.
Connect with our advisor for a PRIORITY response
Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Vestibular Schwannoma in Turkey
Improvements in Turkey include using Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) for vestibular schwannoma, which is effective in managing tumors and eliminating symptoms; studies indicate hypofractionated GKRS can treat large tumors, particularly Koos grade IV lesions; and the survey of postoperative hemorrhage offers helpful lessons in improving surgery techniques. Such advances are indicative of Turkey's advancement in vestibular schwannoma treatment.
Vestibular Schwannoma Prevention Tips
There are no proven preventative methods for vestibular schwannomas because the actual cause is unknown. Still, early detection through routine doctor's visits is essential, particularly if you have a family history of neurofibromatosis type 2.
Treatment options for Vestibular Schwannoma
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery: One non-invasive treatment option for vestibular schwannomas (also called Vestibular Schwannomas) is Gamma Knife radiosurgery, which is considered a first-line treatment for many patients with vestibular schwannomas. It is especially effective for small to medium-sized tumours and aims to stop tumour growth by delivering a focused dose of radiation without requiring a surgical incision. This procedure often preserves hearing function while managing symptoms like dizziness and hearing loss associated with the tumour.
Cost Start From USD 8100 - USD 9900Explore Options
Microsurgery: Neurosurgeons can do surgery on extremely small body parts thanks to specialised tools. Vestibular Schwannomas can only be removed with this procedure.
Chemotherapy: In rare instances, medical professionals may prescribe bevacizumab (Alymsys, Avastin, MVASI, Zirabeva). Children with Vestibular Schwannomas may be able to hear for longer thanks to this medication's potential to decrease tumours. The medication is also used to treat radiation necrosis, a side effect of radiation therapy.
Cost Start From USD 7420 - USD 30000Explore Options
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy: Parts of the nerves that regulate balance may occasionally be removed during surgery. Therapy called vestibular rehabilitation helps you make up for the loss of those nerves and the functions they control.
- Audiometry: A test of hearing. An audiologist, a specialist in hearing, performs this exam. One ear at a time is exposed to noises during the test. The audiologist presents a variety of sounds with different tones. Every time you hear the sound, you indicate. It is repeated at progressively lower levels to determine whether a tone is scarcely audible. The audiologist could also show you different words to test the patient's hearing.
- MRI: To diagnose vestibular schwannoma, magnetic resonance imaging with contrast dye is typically utilised. Tumours as tiny as 1 to 2 millimetres in diameter can be found using this imaging examination. Computerised tomography (CT) can be utilised if an MRI is unavailable.
MediRehab (chain of Rehab centres - Part of MediGence) provides comprehensive rehabilitation services rehabilitation services to support patients through Teleconsulations and online therapy sessions.
- Personalised Therapy Plans: A specialised type of treatment called vestibular rehabilitation (VR) aims to address the fundamental and secondary issues brought on by vestibular diseases. The main goals of this exercise-based program are to lessen vertigo and dizziness, gaze instability, imbalance, and fall risk, as well as to address any secondary impairments brought on by vestibular disorders.
- Rehabilitation post Surgery: physiotherapy sessions focused on restoring hearing and balancing function
- Nutrition Guidance: Consuming lean meats, avoiding red meat, and only eating chicken after the skin has been removed are all recommended for those with vestibular disorders. When it comes to milk kinds, people with vestibular disorders should go for skim milk because it is better for their health.
- Depending on the circumstances, your doctor might recommend medication to help manage your symptoms and complement the course of treatment.
Instantly Connect with our Specialists
Hospitals for Vestibular Schwannoma in Turkey
Florence Nightingale Hospital
Istanbul, Turkey
The first green hospital in Turkey, Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital, was inaugurated in 2013. Group The Florence Nightingale hospitals are the first Turkish hospitals to be granted Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation, and they continue to be associated and work with esteemed healthcare organizations.
The Florence Nightingale Group treats 250,000 outpatients and 70,000 inpatients annually, demonstrating its excellence. The hospitals have a capacity of 804 inpatient beds, 141 ICU beds, and 40 operating rooms, and perform 20,000+ procedures annually, of which 1,000 are cardiac operations for children and 2,000 are for adults. For conducting difficult orthopedic, general surgery, minimally invasive, and other heart treatments, the facility stands out. All operating rooms can be interconnected by audio-visual to a 300-person conference room and global hubs, enabling interactive medical teaching and scientific activity.
Interpreter and translator services for languages such as Turkish, Azerbaijani, Bulgarian, Arabic, English, Persian, Serbian, Russian, Albanian, Macedonian, German, Bosnian, and Romanian are available.
The hospital has specialized departments such as Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, IVF and Infertility, Nephrology, Oncology and Oncosurgery, Spine Surgery, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, Gynecology, and Obesity or Bariatric Surgery. With an extensively qualified and experienced team of advisors and interpreters, Florence Nightingale Istanbul is committed to providing one-stop service from beginning to end, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Medipol Bahçelievler Hospital
Istanbul, Turkey
Medipol Bahcelievler Hospital is a medical institution providing a full range of medical and individualized approaches to its patients. Medipol has the ambition to bring high quality and maximum security to people in need by employing state-of-the-art technologies in medicine. They ensure that the health of the patients is improved by fashioning unique physician specialty treatment programs.
Medipol Bahcelievler Hospital provides an exceptional position in the healthcare industry with a policy of clear communication, professionalism, and reliability to patient expectations. Medipol Bahçelievler Hospital is situated in the European Side of Istanbul, dedicated to 24-hour health care for you and your loved ones, equipped with a fully functional operation theatre and ICUs with state-of-the-art equipment, laboratory, emergency, and advanced treatment rooms
Acibadem Altunizade Hospital
Istanbul, Turkey
Acibadem Altunizade Hospital located in Istanbul, Turkey is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- The indoor area of Acibadem Hastanesi - Altunizade, Istanbul, Turkey is one of the largest at 98,000 square meters.
- There are 550 beds and as many parking spots.
- 75 of the beds are in the intensive care unit.
- A hybrid operating room which has 3 diagnostic units at one location which is an amazing concept as at one time surgeries can be performed in 3 operating theatres.
- International patients are serviced well through a particular center for them where services related to therapy and diagnostics are done.
- Healthcare delivery in this part of the hospital can be availed in 16 different languages.
- Robotic Surgery and Cell Therapy Unit are representative of the high standards of technology present in the hospital.
Our Services to better your experience
Opinion & Option
We submit the most accurate opinion and options from one or more countries for your review
Consult Privately
Consult with a certified specialist privately on our telemedicine platform even before you decide to travel
Logistics
We handle flights, visas, transfers, and accommodation—so you can focus on your health.
Recovery
Our In-house rehabilitation service packages to better your recovery and treatment outcome
Why Choose Turkey for Vestibular Schwannoma Treatment?
Here are some of the reasons for choosing Turkey:
- Due to advancements in medical facilities, such as minimally invasive surgical techniques and gamma knife radiotherapy procedures.
- World-class experts include highly experienced doctors and JCI-accredited healthcare institutions.
- Compared to other countries, treatment in Turkish hospitals is cost-effective.
- Turkey's hospitals provide international patient services, including a multilingual support system.
- Improved treatment methods and biological therapies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Acoustic neuromas or vestibular schwannomas are rarely life-threatening. Patients are expected to have a relatively normal life span when treated effectively.
The nation's healthcare institutions offer top-notch treatment alternatives, guaranteeing successful outcomes for many patients. Vestibular Schwannoma is effectively treated in Turkey. Hearing loss that has already occurred from the tumour cannot be reversed, but the remaining hearing can be preserved in some cases. Surgical tumour removal and gamma knife radiotherapy can often address balance problems, facial numbness and other symptoms.
Yes, many Turkish hospitals offer the following for Vestibular Schwannoma treatment:
- Advanced diagnostic tools like MRI, CT scan, electromyography, and PET scan for accurate diagnoses of Vestibular Schwannoma.
- Skilled neurologists, surgeons, and therapists perform surgery and use Gamma Knife radiotherapy to treat Vestibular Schwannoma.
- Comprehensive post-surgery care and rehabilitation for long-term health benefit
Always consider the following factors when selecting Turkish hospitals:
- Hospitals that are accredited (authorised by JCI).
- Patient reviews and success rates.
- Hospitals that provide seamless care to patients from abroad.
Considering that auditory neuromas are benign, patients often have a very high survival rate. People can have a normal life expectancy with proper medical treatment and continuous monitoring.
However, chronic, long-lasting symptoms like unsteadiness, dizziness, or spatial disorientation develop in half of all individuals with the illness. A person may suffer irreversible inner ear damage or hearing loss in severe situations.
Treatment options for Vestibular Schwannoma differ based on variables such as:
- The location and size of the tumour
- How hearing and balance are affected by the tumour
- General health and age