[one case of the acoustic neuroma]The patient thanked me very much for my advice and praised my superb medical skills

A patient from the Cook Islands came to Auckland seeking acupuncture and moxibustion treatment for progressive hearing loss and unsteady walking.

After listening carefully to her history and performing a neurological examination, I noticed several important findings. In addition to hearing loss and balance problems, she also had reduced facial sensation on the left side.

The combination of hearing loss, balance disturbance, and facial sensory loss immediately raised my concern about a possible lesion affecting multiple cranial nerves.

I advised her to arrange a brain MRI as soon as possible.

After returning home, she saw a neurologist and underwent an MRI scan. The MRI revealed a large tumour in the left cerebellopontine angle (CPA) region. She was admitted for surgery, and the final diagnosis was an acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma).

Fortunately, the operation was successful.

After surgery:

• Her balance improved significantly
• She no longer drifted or fell while walking
• Her hearing partially recovered
• Mild facial numbness remained

Some time later, she returned to Auckland and visited my clinic again. She was very grateful for the advice and early referral, and shared her recovery journey with me.

This case reminds us that hearing loss is not always an ear problem. When hearing loss is associated with balance disturbance or facial sensory changes, a neurological cause should always be considered.

PhD Win Acupuncture Clinic – Auckland, New Zealand