Acoustic neuroma is a rare, non-cancerous tumor that develops on the main nerve leading from your inner ear to your brain. The branches of this nerve directly influence your balance and hearing, and pressure from an acoustic neuroma can cause hearing loss, ringing in the ear, and unsteadiness. Diagnosing this condition early allows for better management of symptoms and preservation of function. Here is more information on the condition and what patients experience:
What Is Acoustic Neuroma?
Acoustic neuroma is a benign growth on the vestibular nerve. Also known as vestibular schwannoma, this condition involves a slow-growing tumor on the vestibular nerve. The tumor arises from Schwann cells, and it typically grows slowly. While these tumors do not invade the brain, they can push against it as they grow larger.
What Causes It?
The multiplication of Schwann cells causes acoustic neuromas, and there is no known cause for this cell multiplication. A rare genetic disorder called neurofibromatosis type 2 is a possible risk factor. This disorder is usually inherited from a parent. Patients with this disorder may develop tumors on the hearing and balance nerves on both sides of the head.
What Do Patients Experience?
Signs of an acoustic neuroma are often subtle, and they may take many years to develop. They usually arise from the tumor’s effects on the hearing and balance nerves or from the tumor pressing on nearby nerves. Hearing loss is typically gradual.
Ringing in the ear, known as tinnitus, is another symptom experienced by patients. Loss of balance or unsteadiness may occur, leading to falls if not adequately managed. Some individuals may experience numbness in the face or weakness in facial muscle movement. When large tumors press on the brainstem, they prevent the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid between the brain and spinal cord, necessitating medical intervention.
What Are the Treatment Options?
Your doctor may recommend monitoring the tumor if it is small and not growing or if it causes few symptoms. This approach involves regular imaging and hearing tests, and it may be common for older adults or those who cannot undergo aggressive treatment. If the scans show the tumor is growing, treatment becomes an option.
Focused (stereotactic) radiation therapy delivers radiation precisely to the tumor while minimizing exposure to the surrounding tissue. This option stops tumor growth, and it preserves the facial nerve’s function and hearing. Doctors use this method for smaller tumors or recommend it for patients who cannot undergo surgery.
Surgery involves removing the tumor. Surgeons perform this procedure under general anesthesia, and they aim to remove the tumor while preserving the facial nerve. This option is often necessary if the tumor is large or if it is pressing on the brainstem.
How Is Professional Guidance Beneficial?
Consulting with a specialist provides access to diagnostic tools and personalized care plans. A professional evaluation may include hearing tests and MRI scans, and these confirm the presence and size of the tumor. Accurate diagnosis helps distinguish acoustic neuroma from other conditions with similar symptoms.
Specialists will explain the benefits of each treatment option based on your specific case. They monitor your condition over time, and they adjust the treatment plan as needed. This ongoing support helps manage symptoms and maintain your quality of life.
Consult a Specialist Today
Acoustic neuroma requires careful management to preserve hearing. Early detection and appropriate treatment help improve outcomes, so seek medical advice if you notice changes in your hearing or balance. Schedule an appointment with a specialist to discuss your symptoms and determine the most appropriate course of action.