Understanding post-surgical recovery in vestibular schwannoma: A qualitative exploration of patient experiences

Vestibular schwannoma (VS) is a benign tumor of the vestibulocochlear nerve, often causing hearing loss, balance disturbances, and psychosocial challenges. While surgical resection is standard, the long-term biopsychosocial impact of surgery is poorly understood. RESEARCH QUESTION: What are the physical, psychological, and social challenges experienced by patients up to five years after VS surgery? MATERIAL AND

Audiologists managing post-surgical vestibular schwannoma patients should actively screen for psychosocial challenges and balance difficulties, as qualitative findings highlight that these are underaddressed dimensions of recovery.

Patient-reported qualitative data on vestibular schwannoma recovery underscore the need for multidisciplinary rehabilitation that goes beyond audiological fitting to address balance and mental health.

1. 01Qualitative study captured real patient narratives about post-surgical recovery after vestibular schwannoma removal.
2. 02Hearing loss, balance disturbances, and psychosocial challenges were prominent themes.
3. 03Patients reported feeling unprepared for the duration and complexity of recovery.
4. 04Findings highlight gaps in pre-operative counseling and post-operative rehabilitation support.
5. 05Results are descriptive and not generalizable in a statistical sense but provide rich context for clinical care.

PMID

42111861

DOI

10.1016/j.bas.2026.106072.

Journal

Brain and Spine

Publication type

research_article

Evidence level

4

Population

Patients who underwent surgical removal of vestibular schwannoma

Intervention

Qualitative exploration of post-surgical patient experiences