As the tumor grows, it will affect different parts of the spine, nerves, blood vessels and bones. As the this growth occurs, symptoms will vary, including:
- Back pain
- Weakness or numbness in the arms and legs
- Electric-like shock sensations when the affected area is touched
- Loss of bladder or bowel function
- Paralysis
Because these symptoms can appear with or like other conditions, it is important to be seen by a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. If left untreated, even non-cancerous tumors can grow and cause severe nerve and spine damage, and sometimes paralysis. (See Diagnosing and Treating Spinal Schwannomas.)
Our Care Team
- Hansen-MacDonald Professor of Neurological Surgery
- Director of Spinal Surgery
Phone: 212-746-2152
- Associate Professor of Neurological Surgery, Spinal Surgery
- Co-Director, Spinal Deformity and Scoliosis Program
- Chief of Neurological Surgery, NYP Lower Manhattan
Phone: 212-746-2260
- Clinical Associate Professor of Neurosurgery
- Attending Neurosurgeon
Phone: 888-922-2257
- Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery
Phone: 646-962-3388
- Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery, Spine Surgery
Phone: 718-670-1837 (Queens) / 888-922-2257 (Manhattan)
- Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery
Phone: 866-426-7787 (Manhattan) / 646-967-2020 (Brooklyn)
- Chairman and Neurosurgeon-in-Chief
- Margaret and Robert J. Hariri, MD ’87, PhD ’87 Professor of Neurological Surgery
- Vice Provost of Business Affairs and Integration
Phone: 212-746-4684
Reviewed by: Eric Elowitz, MD
Last reviewed/last updated: September 2020