- Acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor of the cranial nerve that connects the inner ear and the brain.
- It can affect hearing and balance, and may cause hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness, facial numbness and weakness, a tingling sensation in the face, changes in taste, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, headaches, and confusion.
- Acoustic neuromas are usually slow growing, but early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent more serious symptoms.
- Treatment options include monitoring the tumor, surgery, and gamma knife radiosurgery.
Additional information:
- Acoustic neuromas are also known as vestibular schwannomas.
- A small percentage of acoustic neuromas are caused by neurofibromatosis type II (NF2), an inherited disorder.
- Most acoustic neuromas are sporadic, meaning their exact cause is unknown.
- Children with a parent with NF2 have a 50% chance of inheriting the condition themselves.
- Acoustic neuromas are usually diagnosed through a review of symptoms, a hearing test, and imaging scans.
- Surgery may be recommended for tumors that are growing or causing symptoms.
- Gamma knife radiosurgery is a non-invasive treatment option for acoustic neuromas, but it can take a long time to see results.
- More invasive surgery may be required for tumors that are growing close to the brain or facial nerve.
If you have any concerns about acoustic neuromas, please talk to your doctor.