Interview With Dr. Steven Chang
Regarding Choosing A Treatment For Acoustic Neuroma

On December 2, 2010, I interviewed Dr. Steven Chang of Stanford University Medical Center for 90 minutes via teleconference to discuss selecting the best treatment for Acoustic Neuromas. Dr. Chang is a professor of neurosurgery at Stanford and has extensive experience in both the surgical removal of Acoustic Neuromas as well as treatment via stereotactic radiotherapy using Cyberknife.

The topics addressed in this interview include:

• An in-depth discussion of factors to consider when choosing a treatment

• An in-depth discussion of AN-related symptoms, such as facial numbness, balance disturbances, tinnutus, and hearing loss, and how they impact the selection of treatment

• General principles for when Dr. Chang recommends surgery, radiotherapy or watch and wait

• General guidelines for choosing the right doctor and the right medical team

• What to ask your doctor when you are investigating treatments

• A discussion regarding whether radiotherapy creates a risk of cancer

• The impact of different treatment modes on overall quality of life

• The differences between Gamma Knife and Cyber Knife technology

Click here to listen to the interview (or right-click on the hyperlink and select "Save Link As" to download the MP3 file): Interview With Dr. Steven Chang - December 2, 2010

Interview #2 With Dr. Steven Chang
Addressing Acoustic Neuroma Post-Treatment Symptoms

On January 20, 2010, I conducted a second interview with Dr. Steven Chang of Stanford University Medical Center addressing the subject of Acoustic Neuroma-related symptoms. The interview is about 2 hours in length and addresses the following issues, among others:

• An in-depth discussion of common Acoustic Neuroma-related symptoms including hearing loss, balance disturbances, dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus, headaches, facial weakness or paralysis, cognitive impairments (such as memory loss), and depression.

• A broad discussion of the various causes and approaches to the management of the various post-treatment symptoms

• Key considerations relating to the facial nerve and Dr. Chang's general approach to facial nerve injury

• How the size of your tumor and/or the surgical approach taken may impact symptoms following treatment

• Factors to consider when selecting the right physician, treatment and medical facility for treating your Acoustic Neuroma

• Suggestions regarding choosing a treatment facility that will provide consistent and supportive post-treatment care

• A discussion of the impact of emotional issues and depression on the course of Acoustic Neuroma post-treatment recovery

• Dr. Chang's perspective on alternative medical approaches (i.e., acupuncture, biofeedback) to the management of post-treatment symptoms

Click here to listen to the interview (or right-click on the hyperlink and select "Save Link As" to download the MP3 file): Interview With Dr. Steven Chang - January 20, 2010

Please feel free to email me with questions or comments regarding these interview.

With blessings,

Francesco