Back on Solid Ground
Surgical Removal of Acoustic Neuroma Gives 83-Year-Old Renewed Quality of Life
Maria McCarthy
“The surgery saved my life—I felt hopeless,” said Maria. “That procedure and the great team at PIH Health House Clinic and PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital restored my hope—and the doctors and hospital were all wonderful.”
For years, 83-year-old Riverside resident Maria McCarthy struggled with significant dizziness and balance issues. Yet despite years of various medical evaluations and worsening symptoms, the true cause was never determined. Things took a major turn in 2023, when Maria lost her balance and passed out while visiting a wildlife park with her family.
That scare prompted new testing, which revealed Maria had a vestibular schwannoma (also called acoustic neuroma), a benign tumor that develops on the main nerve leading from the inner ear to the brain. Pressure on this vestibular nerve can cause hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), dizziness and balance issues with potential for rare but serious complications if the tumor grows large.
“Symptoms of an acoustic neuroma are often easy to miss and may take years to develop,” said Kevin Peng MD, neurotologist (ear surgeon) and otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) at PIH Health House Clinic. “As the tumor grows, it’s more likely to cause discernable or worsening symptoms—such as complete hearing loss—or become large enough to press against the brain and affect vital function. Fortunately, Maria was a perfect candidate for surgical removal.”
Maria agreed to surgery and in January 2024, she underwent a successful resection (removal) of the vestibular neuroma at PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles. She was home three days later.
“After surgery, Maria did fantastic and healed faster than average,” said Dr. Peng. “She also had noticeable improvement in her symptoms. She reported improved balance and quality of life, although she still experiences some residual dizziness and requires occasional assistance.”
Today, Maria is feeling great and incredibly grateful to finally have a solution. “The surgery saved my life—I felt hopeless,” said Maria. “That procedure and the great team at PIH Health House Clinic and PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital restored my hope—and the doctors and hospital were all wonderful.”
