Acoustic neuroma

Acoustic neuroma, also known as vestibular swanoma, is a benign intracranial cancer that affects the myelin-forming cells of the vestibulocochlear nerve (the eighth cranial nerve) - within the inner ear.

- What is a schwannom?

Acoustic neuroma is a form of schwannoma, that is, a cancer that arises from the myelin-forming cells that are responsible for isolating nerves with myelin.

Symptoms of acoustic neuroma

The most common symptoms of acoustic neuroma are unilateral one-sided hearing loss, tinnitus (ear lice) and vertigo, as well as affected balance. The condition can also cause pressure in the ears, weakness of the facial muscles, headaches and other more rare symptoms such as mental affect.

deafness is, in up to 90% of cases, the first symptom detected. This occurs due to damage to the inner ear and the associated nerve pathways of the brain. The symptom results in impaired sound perception, speech perception and general clear hearing. The affected side usually becomes progressively worse, but in some rare cases the hearing may suddenly disappear.

Tinnitus is also one of the most well-known symptoms of the condition, but it is not the case that everyone who has tinnitus has acoustic neuroma - or vice versa, but the vast majority with acoustic neuroma will be affected by tinnitus (tinnitus / loud wheezing)

- The gene mutation NF2 is a risk factor

Most cases of the disorder occur in people without a known family history of the problem, but it has been found that the genetic defect NF2 is a risk factor for developing the disorder. NF2 stands for neurofibromatosis type 2.

- The condition is diagnosed with hearing tests or imaging

The clinical criteria for further investigation is a 15 decibel (DB) difference in perception between the ears at 3 different frequencies.

Further investigation can be done MRI examination - as seen in the picture below.

In the picture we see a downstairs room on the right.

- How is acoustic neuroma treated?

The disorder is treated with surgery or radiation therapy. Unfortunately, this treatment often results in severe hearing loss or complete hearing loss on the affected ear. Observation or waiting usually results in complete hearing loss.

Also read: - Ear pain? Here are possible diagnoses.