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An acoustic neuroma is an abnormal growth on the nerve that goes from the ear to the brain. It can cause hearing loss and balance problems. Another name for an acoustic neuroma is vestibular schwannoma. Acoustic neuromas are more common in adults than children. They usually happen in just one ear, but a few people get them in both ears.
Symptoms of an acoustic neuroma include:
- Hearing loss – this can happen gradually over many years and may go unnoticed
- Tinnitus – ringing, buzzing, hissing, or roaring sounds in one or both ears
- Balance problems when walking and/or a feeling of tilting to one side
- Face numbness or pain, or trouble moving part of the face
Learn more about acoustic neuroma
Acoustic Neuroma Care at St. Luke’sThe St. Luke’s acoustic neuroma team evaluates patients through a streamlined process that includes initial neurosurgery and neurotology consultations. Dr. Duckworth, St. Luke’s neurosurgery medical director, and Dr. Crawford, Idaho’s only board-certified neurotologist, collaborate to evaluate and treat patients diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma. Consult with your primary care provider for a referral.
Providers
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Ear, Nose, and ThroatBiography
James Crawford, MD is a board certified neurotologist. He served in the U.S. Army for 24 years and was an associate professor of surgery at the Uniformed Services University as well as director of the Otolaryngology Residency Program at Madigan Army Medical Center. Dr. Crawford has been active in hearing research, including research on cochlear implants and other middle ear implantable devices, and has lectured nationally and internationally.
Originally from Boise, Dr. Crawford graduated from Capital High School before attending Brigham Young University. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family and traveling, snow skiing, water skiing, fishing, hiking, and playing tennis and golf.
Availability
Accepting new patients -
NeurosurgeryBiography
Edward Duckworth, MD, MS, FAANS is an intracranial-focused neurosurgeon, specializing in the treatment of complex cranial disorders. He has expertise in treating many conditions, including cerebrovascular disease and the surgical treatment of stroke; brain tumors, including pituitary tumors; acoustic neuroma; skull base tumors; Chiari malformation; epilepsy; moyamoya; trigeminal neuralgia; arteriovenous malformations, cavernoma; normal-pressure hydrocephalus (NPH); and carotid artery disease. He is the director of St. Luke's Cranial Neurosurgery Program.
Dr. Duckworth holds the distinction of being "dual-fellowship trained," having completed fellowship training in cerebrovascular and cranial base surgery at Northwestern University and in endovascular neurosurgery and interventional neuroradiology at Semmes-Murphey Neurologic and Spine Institute and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. He as also earned a subspecialty certification in neuroendovascular surgery from The Society of Neurological Surgeons Committee on Advanced Subspecialty Training (CAST). This depth of expertise allows him to offer the safest and most effective treatments for cerebrovascular conditions, whether that is open surgery or an endovascular technique.
While working at the Baylor College of Medicine, he held the rank of associate professor and served as the director of cerebrovascular and cranial base neurosurgery.
Dr. Duckworth is a member of the American Association for Neurological Surgeons and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons. He has published over 50 peer reviewed papers and given more than 40 oral presentations on neurosurgery.
Surgical Specialties
- Neurosurgery
- Cerebrovascular neurosurgery
- Endovascular neurosurgery
- Endovascular surgical neuroradiology
- Neurological skull base surgery
Availability
Accepting new patients
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Idaho Ear Clinic
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(208) 938-5823
Office Location
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St. Luke’s Clinic – Northwest Neurosurgery Associates: Boise
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