This video presentation outlines the medical, professional, and personal journey of a speech-language pathologist diagnosed and treated with a vestibular schwannoma (VS) (sometimes called an acoustic neuroma): Twice. The discovery of the vestibular schwannoma's regrowth in 2021 abruptly ended a 27-year career of a practicing speech-language pathologist, who was a practicing clinician and a university clinical assistant professor.

The overall goal of this 1-hour public service announcement, regarding vestibular schwannoma's and treatment options, will provide a unique perspective and voice to what client/patients are truly experiencing following a life-changing event that requires rehabilitation services. As a speech-language pathologist, being on the other side of the rehabilitation table gave me a widened and unique clinical perspective.

Part 1 of this presentation will be an overview of the symptoms, diagnostic procedures, surgical approaches, and patient outcomes associated with a vestibular schwannoma. Part 2 of the presentation will address the surgical options and rehabilitative interventions associated with facial paralysis: Facial reanimation surgery and facial nerve grafting surgery. During this part of the presentation, different surgical approaches will be outlined, the importance of timing post facial paralysis, and video examples of patient outcomes. Part 3 of this presentation will be from the clinician who became a client. The speaker will provide a general overview of the medical impact on his life. However, the broader message will address the psycho-social impact that almost all clients/patients experience following a life-changing event and how this part of the process will permeate every aspect of their life; including treatment outcomes. The presenter will also address how one's purpose and perspective can shift when going through these traumatic events. Finally, the presenter will provide an overview of two evidence-based patient-centered treatment approaches that should be considered when working with adult client/patients (or any client/patient). These patient-centered therapy paradigms engage a client/patient in more meaningful and purposeful ways that can lead to improved client/patient outcomes.

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