Meningiomas are typically benign (non-cancerous), slow-growing tumors that originate from arachnoidal cells, cells that make up a membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. While slow growing, they can produce serious symptoms if left untreated, including headaches, hearing loss, facial problems and seizures. Posterior fossa and petroclival meningiomas are located on the underside of the brain, which makes them difficult to treat. Meningiomas in these locations may affect the trigeminal nerve (which may cause a feeling of abnormal sensations in the face), the vestibulocochlear nerve (which can cause hearing/balance abnormalities) and the facial nerve (which results in facial weakness).
Posterior fossa or petroclival meningiomas are diagnosed using imaging studies such as CT and MRI scans. If the tumors are slow growing and not causing any neurological symptoms, serial MRI imaging to monitor growth is an option. Because posterior fossa and petroclival meningiomas are located on the underside of the brain, surgical removal is complex. When indicated, such procedures require a team of surgeons, including a neurotologist and neurosurgeon. Stereotactic radiation therapy may also be an option for some patients.
Why Choose Us
- Dr. Abraham Jacob, Medical Director for Ear & Hearing (E&H) at the Center for Neurosciences (CNS), is fellowship trained in Otology, Neurotology, and Cranial Base Surgery. He has performed more surgery for the ear and lateral skull base than any other ENT surgeon in Tucson.
- Dr. Jacob was a founding member of the University of Arizona (UA) Department of Otolaryngology prior to his departure and transition to CNS. At UA, he was Vice Chair of ENT and held the rank of full Professor with Tenure. He was also founding Director of the UA Ear Institute.
- Dr. Jacob transitioned his clinical practice to the Center for Neurosciences in early 2017 as he felt that the new environment helped him to optimize delivery of personalized ear and lateral skull base care.
- Dr. Jacob has a specific interest in understanding meningiomas at the cellular level. His basic science research laboratory at Ohio State and then UA sought to better understand what caused these tumors to form/grow. This understanding served as a foundation for developing novel drugs to prevent tumor growth.
- Through Ear & Hearing at the Center for Neurosciences (E&H @ CNS), Dr. Jacob is able to offer all treatment options for skull base meningiomas, including serial imaging, surgery, and stereotactic radiation therapy.
Ear & Hearing Appointments
Our Otologist/Neurotologist specializes in the medical and surgical care of patients with disorders of the ear and lateral skull base. Otology/Neurotology and Audiology work together to offer complete hearing health solutions.
To schedule an appointment with our Ear & Hearing department, please call us at (520) 795-7750.
Our Physicians’ Goal
Our physicians’ goal is to provide the highest-quality neurological care– the same level of care we would want for ourselves or our loved ones.
We will help our patients to understand their condition, listen to their concerns, answer their questions, and provide the best clinical treatment available.