An acoustic neuroma, also called a vestibular schwannoma, is a non-cancerous tumor that develops on the nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain. This nerve is important for hearing and balance. As the tumor grows, it can press on this nerve, leading to hearing loss in one ear, ringing in the ear (tinnitus), or problems with balance. People with acoustic neuromas might feel dizzy or unsteady.
The tumor grows slowly, and symptoms often appear gradually. In some cases, it can also press on nearby nerves that control facial muscles, causing numbness or weakness on one side of the face. Although it is not cancerous, if the tumor becomes large, it can press on vital brain structures, which may be life-threatening.
Treatment depends on the size and growth of the tumor. Small tumors may be monitored, while larger ones may need surgery or radiation therapy. Early diagnosis can help manage symptoms and prevent serious complications.
The symptoms of acoustic neuroma tend to develop slowly because the tumor grows gradually. Common symptoms include:
In rare cases, large tumors can press on nearby nerves and brain structures, leading to more severe symptoms, such as:
Acoustic neuroma is caused by an abnormal growth of Schwann cells, which form a protective covering around the nerves. Most cases occur sporadically, meaning there is no known cause. Still, some are linked to a genetic condition called neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2).
If you experience any of the following, it's essential to consult a doctor:
To diagnose an acoustic neuroma, your doctor may recommend the following tests:
Do's:
Don'ts:
NOTE:
Our medical content authors have diligently gathered and synthesized information on this topic to offer valuable insights to our readers. Drawing from a range of reputable medical journals and health resources, this content aims to enhance understanding of the subject. It's important to remember that while this information is informative, it should not replace personalized consultation or treatment from a qualified physician. For further details, please refer to our Editorial Policy.
For this topic, our authors used some of the following resources:
Johns Hopkins Medicine | Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma)
NIDCD (.gov) | Vestibular Schwannoma (Acoustic Neuroma)
National Organization for Rare Disorders | Acoustic Neuroma - Symptoms, Causes, Treatment | NORD
University of Michigan Health | Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma)
Pusa Road, Radha Soami Satsang, Rajendra Place New Delhi, 110005 India
Budena Village, Sector 86, Faridabad, Haryana 121002, India
C-1, Sushant Lok- 1, Sector-43, Phase- I, Gurugram, Haryana, 122002
Lot 2, Jalan Baung 17/22, Seksyen 17, 40200 Shah Alam, Selangor Kuala Lumpur, 40200 (Malaysia)
Dr. (Prof.) Rohit Gupta is a well-known neurologist in Faridabad, Haryana, India, with over 17 years of experience in clinical neurology. He achieved academic success...
Dr. Sandeep Ghosh is a highly regarded consultant neurologist, currently practicing at the esteemed Neurosciences Department of Accord Superspeciality Hospital in Faridabad, ...
Dr. Vikram Dua is one of India's top neuro and spine surgeons. With over 26 years of experience, he has performed over 10,000 surgeries, with a success rate excee...
Dr. LN Tripathy is a highly esteemed neurosurgeon with an impressive 31-year career. Since April 2010, he has been the Director of the Medica Institute of Neurologica...
Dr. Anish Kumar is a highly experienced medical professional with over 21 years of experience, including more than 11 years dedicated to neurology. He is currently a ...
Dr. Kaushik Sen is a highly esteemed senior consultant neurologist with over 18 years of post-DM experience in neurology. He holds a gold medal in MBBS, an MD i...
Treatment Plan & Cost within 2 days