Epidermoid tumors are benign, occur at all ages, and grow very slowly. These tumors typically develop along the base of the brain, and while they do not invade the brain, they can expand deeply into the recesses of the brain and brain stem, surrounding the arteries and nerves as they grow. Due to their slow growth, these tumors may become very large before causing symptoms.
Timothy’s Story
Timothy was a 33-year old patient who complained for many years of headaches, dizziness, ringing in his ears, hearing loss and recent double vision. An MRI scan revealed a very large epidermoid tumor, which displaced the brainstem and cerebellum, encasing all of the cranial nerves and arteries along the right side of his brain stem. Timothy underwent a sub-occipital craniotomy with total excision (removal) of the tumor. All of the cranial nerves were spared.
Immediately following surgery, he continued to experience double vision, which is now returning to normal. The headaches, dizziness, and hearing disturbance have resolved completely, and he has returned to full-time employment.
“I have had a great result from surgery. My symptoms have been relieved, and I would highly recommend Dr. Reid to anyone who needs this type of surgery.”