Acoustic Neuroma

Acoustic Neuroma

What is Acoustic Neuroma?

Acoustic neuromas are noncancerous, usually slow growing tumors that form along the branches of the eighth cranial nerve (also called the vestibulocochlear nerve). This nerve leads from the brain to the inner ear and branches into divisions that play important roles in both hearing and balance.

There are a number of symptoms of Acoustic Neuroma, which may include
  • Hearing loss, usually gradually over months to years. In rare cases, hearing loss can be sudden.
  • Ringing in the affected ear, known as tinnitus.
  • Loss of balance or not feeling steady.
  • Dizziness.
  • Facial numbness and, very rarely, weakness or loss of muscle movement.
Complications

Acoustic neuromas don't spread like cancerous tumors. As they grow, they can affect hearing, cause ringing in your ear (tinnitus), affect balance, and cause facial weakness or facial numbness

Causes

For most acoustic neuromas, the cause at the cellular level is the failure of a "governor" gene to suppress the growth of Schwann cells—those cells responsible for coating nerve fibers with insulation. Without suppression, these cells grow to produce the neuroma.

Risk factors

Acoustic neuroma may be the result of nerve damage caused by environmental factors. The only certain environmental risk factor is past radiation to the head. It's unclear if prolonged exposure to loud noises is a cause of acoustic neuromas. Bilateral acoustic neuromas.

Prevention

There is no way to prevent acoustic neuroma, but scientists are looking at ways of using gene therapy to control the overproduction of Schwann cells.

How is it diagnosed?

How is it diagnosed?
  • Surgery to remove the tumor. This is a highly effective treatment for acoustic neuromas.
  • Stereotactic radiosurgery. This form of radiation therapy delivers precisely targeted radiation to the tumor while avoiding the surrounding healthy tissue.
  • Observation.

How is it treated?

Treatment for acute myeloid leukemia is vital. It varies with the patient and stage of the disease. Treatment options include

  • Surgery to remove the tumor. This is a highly effective treatment for acoustic neuromas.
  • Stereotactic radiosurgery. This form of radiation therapy delivers precisely targeted radiation to the tumor while avoiding the surrounding healthy tissue.
  • Observation.

Book an Appointment

arrow arrow