Brains for Change

A tumor smaller than a pea can silence your balance and hearing forever. Our healthcare system needs to take these neurological threats more seriously. Myelin-producing Schwann cells, which are glial cells, are located near the cranial nerves, which control facial expressions and senses, and exit from the brain stem between the pons and medulla. Ions, such as sodium, potassium, and chlorine, transport action potential—vessels for information—over long distances, and the chemical myelin substantially catalyzes this process, speeding up neural communication. Just like highways move goods across a country, myelin moves thoughts across your body. When the roads break down, so does independence—and brain signals slow or fail. Brain tumors like vestibular schwannomas affect critical senses like balance and hearing due to the hindered production of myelin, ultimately having the potential to be very dangerous or fatal if left untreated. Early detection policies, better healthcare access, and funding for neurological research could save lives and prevent disability. If public health systems understood how even tiny tumors (in places like the Schwann cells) could upend daily life, early screening and access to neurology care would be a priority.