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Mood disorders associated with acoustic neuromas
B Kalayam1, R C Young, G K Tsuboyama
1Cornell University Medical College, White Plains, New York.
International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine
|January 1, 1994
Summary
This study presents three cases of persistent manic and mixed states linked to acoustic neuromas. These psychiatric symptoms, unlike typical transient ones, began before surgery and lasted long after, suggesting a strong tumor-symptom connection.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Oncology
Background:
- Acoustic neuromas, benign tumors of the vestibulocochlear nerve, can present with varied neurological and psychiatric symptoms.
- Previous literature suggests transient psychiatric disturbances in patients with acoustic neuromas.
Observation:
- Three cases of persistent manic and mixed states associated with acoustic neuroma are presented.
- These psychiatric symptoms emerged pre-operatively and persisted long post-operatively, differing from transient symptoms reported in literature.
- Symptoms included mood changes, agitation, delusions, hallucinations, memory loss, and confusion.
Findings:
- The disruption of brainstem structures by acoustic neuromas may contribute to persistent mood changes.
- Psychological reactions to surgery or facial paralysis were less striking contributors in these cases.
- Systematic studies are needed to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms linking acoustic neuromas and psychiatric disturbances.
Implications:
- This case series highlights the potential for prolonged psychiatric morbidity in acoustic neuroma patients.
- It underscores the importance of considering neurological causes, such as acoustic neuroma, in the differential diagnosis of persistent mood disorders.
- Further research is warranted to understand the neurobiological underpinnings of these associations.