Symptoms of Spinal Schwannomas

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.)

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Our Care Team

  • Hansen-MacDonald Professor of Neurological Surgery
  • Director of Spinal Surgery
Phone: 212-746-2152
  • Professor of Neurological Surgery, Spinal Surgery
  • Co-Director, Spinal Deformity and Scoliosis Program
  • Director, Spinal Trauma/Adult and Pediatric Spinal Surgery
Phone: 212-746-2260
  • Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery
Phone: 646-962-3388
  • Assistant Professor, Neurosurgery 
  • Leonard and Fleur Harlan Clinical Scholar
Phone: (888) 922-2257
  • Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery
Phone: 866-426-7787 (Manhattan) / 646-967-2020 (Brooklyn) / 718-780-3070 (Brooklyn CCH)
  • Chair and Neurosurgeon-in-Chief
  • Margaret and Robert J. Hariri, MD ’87, PhD ’87 Professor of Neurological Surgery
Phone: 212-746-4684
  • Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery
Phone: (718) 670-1837
  • Associate Professor of Neurological Surgery, Spine Surgery
Phone: 718-780-3070

Reviewed by: Paul Park, MD
Last reviewed/last updated: April 2024

Weill Cornell Medicine Neurological Surgery 525 East 68 Street, Box 99 New York, NY 10065 Phone: 866-426-7787