Tamar's Story: Making the Best Choice for an Acoustic Neuroma
After experiencing facial numbness for several months and losing some taste and smell, Tamar Kaplan scheduled an appointment with a neurologist who ordered magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
“I ended 2023 saying that 2024 would be my year,” said the 40-year-old. “But after my MRI, I got a call that had a lot of urgency in it.
Tamar’s MRI results showed a 3cm-wide mass in her head, later identified as a vestibular schwannoma, or acoustic neuroma. An acoustic neuroma is a noncancerous, slow-growing tumor that forms between the brain and the inner ear. If left untreated, an acoustic neuroma can lead to serious complications, such as vertigo, ringing in the ears, hearing loss, and balance disorders. In some cases, an acoustic neuroma can become life-threatening if it grows large enough to press on the brain.
“People typically discover acoustic neuromas due to loss of hearing, but my hearing was perfectly fine. I immediately started to do my homework on where I could go for treatment,” she said.
After seeing multiple surgeons, she ultimately chose to go to Rupa Juthani, MD, Sub-Specialty Medical Director of Endoscopic Skull-Based Surgery for The Valley Hospital, and Anthony D’Ambrosio, MD, Co-Director of The Valley Hospital Gamma Knife Center. They noted that due to the size of the tumor, it had likely been growing for 12 years, but may have grown more when her symptoms started. Both neurosurgeons suggested a craniectomy to remove the tumor, which is a procedure where a small piece of the skull is removed to safely navigate around the brain and access the benign tumor.
“Throughout my entire experience, the team at Valley showed consistent humility, kindness, quiet confidence, and collaboration,” said the Bergen County native. “I loved that I had an intimate hospital experience that you cannot find in the city. The doctors made me feel self-assured with something as daunting as brain surgery.”
Dr. Juthani and Dr. D’Ambrosio successfully performed the surgery to remove the tumor in March 2024. Tamar woke up with facial function, the most critical marker after surgery, with over 95% of the tumor removed. Due to her young age, they followed the residual closely and discussed options when it showed signs of early regrowth.
Dr. Juthani then recommended Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for the remaining portion of the neuroma while it was still small, a minimally invasive, advanced form of radiation surgery specialized for the brain. It uses multiple focused beams of high-dose gamma radiation to target a specific area while minimizing effects on any surrounding areas, including the healthy surrounding brain and brainstem. Early treatment can prevent further symptoms and increase the likelihood of preventing growth.
“I felt a lot of comfort going to the Gamma Knife Center and knew that I would be okay under the care of Valley, no matter where I was,” said Tamar. “I could not have asked for more proficient doctors. They were responsive, patient, answered all my questions, and really had me feeling taken care of.”
In August 2024, Tamar underwent the Gamma Knife procedure on a single day as an outpatient. Tamar was able to go home on the same day of treatment. She had some fatigue for a few days after, which is not uncommon. Since her Gamma Knife procedure, the tumor has started to reduce in size, a very promising sign.
“They told me about what would happen in the months after the procedure, so I felt prepared to take on any residual symptoms,” she said. “Because of this team, I still have hearing in my one ear, which was very important to me.”
“I was able to heal well due to the mental and emotional support I received from Valley, not just the physical medical care I received. If you have to go through something like this, choose Valley knowing you made the best choice for not only yourself, but for your family as well.”