Acoustic Neuroma And Balance Exercises

 Balance Exercises For Those With Acoustic Neuromas

By Suzanne Stoke, Physical Therapist @ Exercise For Balance via www.exerciseforbalance.com

     Performing  balance exercises on a regular basis is essential for folks who are diagnosed with vestibular disorders that usually coincide with balance problems. Please see  http://www.exerciseforbalance.com/buy-now An acoustic neuroma (also known as vestibular schwannoma or acoustic neurinoma) is a benign (nonmalignant), usually slow-growing tumor that develops from the balance and hearing nerves supplying the inner ear. The tumor comes from an overproduction of Schwann cells—the cells that normally wrap around nerve fibers to help support and insulate nerves. As the acoustic neuroma grows, it compresses the hearing and balance nerves, usually causing unilateral (one-sided) hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), and dizziness or loss of balance. As it grows, it can also interfere with the facial sensation nerve (the trigeminal nerve), causing facial numbness. An Acoustic Neuroma can also exert pressure on nerves controlling the muscles of the face, causing facial weakness or paralysis on the side of the tumor. Vital life-sustaining functions can be threatened when large tumors cause severe pressure on the brainstem and cerebellum. Unilateral acoustic neuromas account for approximately eight percent of all tumors inside the skull; one out of every 100,000 individuals per year develops an acoustic neuroma. Symptoms may develop in individuals at any age, but usually occur between the ages of 30 and 60 years. Unilateral acoustic neuromas are not hereditary. Early diagnosis of an acoustic neuroma is key to preventing its serious consequences. The three treatment options are surgical removal, radiation, and monitoring. Typically, the tumor is surgically removed. The exact type of operation involved depends on the size of the tumor and the level of hearing remaining in the affected ear. If the tumor is very small, hearing function may be preserved and accompanying symptoms may improve. As the tumor grows larger, however, surgical removal becomes more complicated because the tumor may have damaged the nerves that control facial movement, hearing, and balance, and may also have affected structures of the brain. When the tumor has affected these nerves, its surgical removal can worsen a person’s symptoms because sections of the nerves themselves may also need to be removed. In this case, vestibular rehabilitation, including stability training that involves balance exercises, may help promote central nervous system compensation for the inner-ear deficit.

 Balance Exercises To Improve Stability

     A daily dose of balance exercises can help people who suffer with dizziness and imbalance due to vestibular disorders like acoustic neuromas. Since acoustic neuromas can result in symptoms of vertigo and problems with balance, it is imperative to rehearse equilibrium routines to help overcome balance deficits. One of the first steps to take is to develop strong and fast balance reactions at the feet and ankles by performing certain steadiness exercises. One such exercise is to stand on one foot, which provides a narrow base of support and challenging balance situation. Consequently, in this position you will notice that your feet and ankles are wiggling madly to try to keep you upright. Over time, standing on one foot will get easier and your balance reactions will become stronger. You can learn this steadiness exercise and other balance exercises in the Exercise For Balance DVD, which was developed by an experienced Physical Therapist and developed for you to use in the comfort of your own home.

 Balance Exercises In The Exercise For Balance DVD

    Anyone who has been diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma should begin the best balance exercises with the Exercise For Balance DVD. The step by step Balance DVD is a wonderful instructional tool to use at home or in a group setting. The professionally filmed DVD is complete with the best balance and strength exercises needed to enhance general fitness and to perform basic activities like housework, walking, standing, stair climbing or to advance to high level activities like gardening, dancing and hiking. In the Exercise For Balance DVD, you will learn how to improve balance, balance techniques and steadiness routines from a balance trainer (licensed Physical Therapist) who has worked with balance and dizziness disorders for over 20 years. Get your copy of the Exercise For Balance DVD by clicking on the BUY NOW button

   If you have dizziness and imbalance, start balance exercises today with the Exercise For Balance DVD to improve balance and prevent falls.
For more information see http://www.mayoclinic.com/health-information/