An acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor of the cranial nerve that connects the inner ear and the brain. Though noncancerous and typically slow growing, it can affect both hearing and balance, and may cause hearing loss, tinnitus and dizziness. In rare cases, tumors may become large enough to press against the brain, interfering with vital processes and even leading to death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A small percentage of\nacoustic neuromas are the result of an inherited disorder called neurofibromatosis\ntype II (NF2), associated with a malfunctioning gene on chromosome 22. This\ngenetic disorder often causes benign tumors to develop on the balance nerves on\nboth sides of the head. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
More often than not, acoustic\nneuromas are classified as sporadic, meaning their exact cause is unknown.\nThere is some evidence of a connection between exposure to low-dose radiation\nof the head and neck during childhood and the development of acoustic neuromas.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are no known risk factors for acoustic neuromas other than having a parent with NF2. If this is the case, children have a 50 percent chance of inheriting the condition themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Acoustic neuromas, sometimes\ncalled vestibular schwannomas, usually grow very slowly (or not at all).\nBecause of this, symptoms early on are often difficult to spot. You may notice\ngradual hearing loss that is sometimes accompanied by tinnitus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the tumor continues to grow, additional symptoms are likely to develop. These include dizziness and vertigo, facial numbness and weakness, a tingling sensation in the face, changes in taste, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, headaches and confusion.Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent more serious symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your otolaryngologist can\ndiagnose an acoustic neuroma primarily through a review of your symptoms in\nconjunction with a hearing test and imaging scans (CT or MRI). Because growth\nof the tumor is usually very slow, many times your doctor will simply want to\nmonitor the tumor\u2019s progress over time, especially when few symptoms are\npresent. Regular imaging tests every six to 12 months can track any growth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Surgery may be an option for\ntumors that are growing or causing symptoms. Gamma Knife radiosurgery delivers\nradiation without the need for an incision, but results can take a long time.\nMore invasive surgery may be required, especially if your tumor is growing\nclose to the brain or facial nerve. <\/p>\n\n\n