Why join BANA?

Many who face and undergo treatment of acoustic neuromas and other benign tumours involving the cranial nerves have questions, concerns and physical and emotional adjustments to make.  Membership in a group of those who have had a similar experience can be helpful to patients, as well as family members and interested medical personnel.

The benefits of becoming a member

1. Website - Members' Section.  This section of the website is available to members only and contains:

• An active Members' Forum which allows members to share their experiences
• A list of all regional Branches and Support Groups including contact details of the group leaders
• Treatment Centre list which notes all hospitals which deal with Acoustic Neuroma (AN) and which treatment options they offer
• Treatment Centre Querstionnaires completed by the relevenat hospitals giving details of the number of patients they have treated, the different treatment options they offer, the names of the practitioners and other useful information
• A list of BANA Medical Advisors
• Member links to other AN-related organisations
• A wide selection of articles covering all aspects of AN management both before, during and after treatment including a selection of Members' stories.  This section also includes a selection of Patient Information papers from several hospitals
• A Members' Notice Board which often includes requests for help completing surveys etc from other organisations

One of our members says the following:

If you want to hear how other AN sufferers have dealt with the problems you may be experiencing, this site is invaluable.  There is an active forum where you will often get a helpful answer to your questions within a short time. M.

  2.  Office - Our Head Office is run by our Co-ordinator Julie who is on hand to answer your questions and queries (non medical).  The office is usually manned Monday-Friday during normal office hours.  When closed there is an answer phone and if the matter is urgent alternative numbers are given on the answer phone message to enable you to contact one of the Trustees.

  3.  Magazine - we produce a quarterly magazine called Headline News which carries reports from the Branches and Support Groups around the UK, professional articles, members' articles, letters from members, hints and tips and information about all things AN-related.  The magazine is available to read in the Members' Section of the website or you can receive a printed copy.

  4.  A wide selection of Booklets (reduced cost to members) and leaflets to help with all aspects of your AN journey (see Related Information section for full list)

  5.  A selection of DVDs and Videos of presentations by professionals who deal with AN patients covering all aspects including treatment and help with the various symptoms which may affect the AN patient.  There is no loan charge, just a small p&p charge.  (see Related Information section for a full list)

  6.  Access to other AN sufferers via our Telephone/Email Support List.  We have a list of members who are happy to speak to other members about selected matters.  This is especially helpful when trying to make a treatment decision or if you are tyring to find ways of coping with particular symptoms and would like to hear of other members' experiences.

  7.  Branch and Support Group meetings - we have 6 large branches where meeting usually include a speaker and a chance to socialise with other AN sufferers.  We also have 14 smaller regular Support Group meetings (some in hospitals/halls and others in members' homes) where members and guests have a chance to exchange experiences with others

  8.  Loan of Trophic Stimulators.  These facial stimulation machines are available to members to loan (yearly maintenance fee payable) under the supervision of a physiotherapist.