Acoustic neuroma surgery in patients over 65 years of age

Patients over 65 years old develop acoustic neuromas with the same signs and symptoms as younger patients. Age limits beyond which surgery for acoustic neuroma is not offered have been suggested. Untreated vertigo in the older patient frequently results in a fall which causes a fracture of the femur followed by significant morbidity and mortality. A review of 62 cases done over a period of five years reveals that surgical removal of acoustic neuroma in eight patients over 65 years of age gave results equally good to those in younger patients. This study suggests that the patient's general medical condition, life expectancy and factors other than chronologic age should be considered in the indications for surgery of acoustic neuroma. Acoustic neuroma surgery for the older patient can provide gratifying results.