REFERRAL PATTERNS IN VESTIBULAR SCHWANNOMAS

The investigation and treatment of vestibular schwannomas is an increasingly specialized area in which major advances have been seen over recent years. The effect of these advances on the referral patterns to a centre specializing in such surgery is reviewed. The proportion of referrals with a known diagnosis has increased substantially, allowing the specialist centre to focus on appropriate management rather than diagnosis. The vast majority of vestibular schwannomas are referred by otolaryngologists. The caseload referred by neurologists or neurosurgeons have different presenting symptoms. The incidence of vestibular schwannoma in the Cambridge district is found to be 1 per 50 000 population per year. This is a higher incidence than that recorded in other studies. This may be due to a tight diagnostic strategy and the high level of clinical awareness of the local general practitioners.