Medical knowledge, Patient Education
Acoustic Neuroma, Adult
Acoustic neuroma, also called vestibular schwannoma, is a growth (tumor) on a nerve in the inner ear. It is not cancerous (is benign). The tumor grows on the eighth cranial nerve. This nerve passes between the brain and the inner ear through a bony tunnel (internal auditory canal). The eighth cranial nerve is important for hearing and balance.
As the tumor gets larger, it has less room to grow inside of the canal. It starts to press on the nerve and can cause problems with hearing or balance. Nerves in the face may also be affected. Acoustic neuroma usually only happens on one side of the body.
What are the causes?
This condition is caused by an overgrowth of the cells (Schwann cells) that make up the outer layer of the eighth cranial nerve. The cause of this overgrowth is not known.
What increases the risk?
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People who have a family history of neurofibromatosis. This is a condition that is passed along from parent to child (inherited). It causes benign tumors to grow on many nerves, including the eighth cranial nerve.
What are the signs or symptoms?
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Ringing in the ear (tinnitus).
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Loss of balance or a sensation of spinning (vertigo).
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Headache.
A large acoustic neuroma may start to affect other nerves in the face and throat. This can lead to facial weakness or numbness and tingling. You may also have difficulty swallowing.
How is this diagnosed?
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Your symptoms and medical history.
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A physical exam. The exam may include tests to check your hearing and balance.
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Imaging tests of your inner ear or brain, such as an MRI, or CT scan. These will be done to confirm the diagnosis.
How is this treated?
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Monitoring the tumor. Acoustic neuroma is a tumor that grows slowly. Treatment may not be needed unless the tumor is large and causes symptoms.
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Radiation therapy to stop the tumor from growing.
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Surgery to remove all or part of the tumor. This may be done if you have symptoms or if your tumor is growing.
Follow these instructions at home:
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Learn as much as you can about your condition and work closely with your team of health care providers.
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Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
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Keep all follow-up visits. This is especially important if you have an acoustic neuroma that is being monitored.
Where to find more information
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National Organization for Rare Disorders: raredisease.org
Contact a health care provider if:
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You have any of the following symptoms that get worse:
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Tinnitus.
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Vertigo.
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Headache.
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Hearing loss.
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You have facial weakness, tingling, or numbness.
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You develop new symptoms.
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You have difficulty swallowing.
Get help right away if:
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You develop severe dizziness.
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You have difficulty standing or walking.
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You develop a severe headache.
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You faint or lose consciousness.
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You have a seizure.
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Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away.
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Do not drive yourself to the hospital.
Summary
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An acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor that grows on the eighth cranial nerve, which controls balance and hearing.
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These tumors can grow large enough that they can cause hearing loss, ringing in the ears, or balance problems.
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These tumors usually happen only on one side. Treatment may not be needed unless the tumor is large and causes symptoms.
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In some cases, radiation or surgery may be needed to prevent problems with hearing and balance.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
