A benign brain tumor involving the auditory nerve, which transmits electrical signals from the ear to the brain; also called eighth nerve tumor, neurinoma, or Schwannoma. If detected early, the tumor can be removed without hearing damage; but if diagnosed late, acoustic neuromas (though not malignant) can be life-threatening, or surgical removal can at least involve hearing loss, disturbance of the sense of balance (related to the inner ear), and loss of feeling or paralysis in the face. Symptoms associated with acoustic neuromas are hearing loss in one or both ears, headaches, dizziness, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and numbness in the face. Acoustic neuromas are sometimes associated with the genetic disorder called Neurofibromatosis.
Benign tumor of the vestibulocochlear nerve resulting in pain, headache, hearing loss, tinnitus, and disturbed balance.
A benign tumor of the eighth cranial nerve (also known as the acoustic nerve, the auditory nerve, and the vestibulocochlear nerve; it is located in the head). The cause of acoustic neuromas is believed to be a defect in a tumor suppressor gene, and bilateral acoustic tumors are associated with a genetic disorder known as neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). Acoustic neuromas are almost always noncancerous and do not spread or metastasize to other parts of the body. However, they can grow quite large, causing damage to surrounding structures.
A slow-growing, benign tumour in the auditory canal arising from the Schwann cells of the acoustic cranial nerve. The neuroma, which accounts for about 7 per cent of all tumours inside the cranium, may cause facial numbness, hearing loss,, unsteady balance, headache, and tinnitus. It can usually be removed surgically, sometimes with microsurgical techniques that preserve the facial nerve.
A benign tumor of the eighth cranial nerve. The symptoms may include hearing loss, balance disturbances, pain, headache, and tinnitus.
A non-cancerous growth that develops on the nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain. As the tumor expands, it applies compression on the inner ear, resulting in intense episodes of dizziness known as vertigo.
A seldom-occurring, benign tumor originates from the supportive cells surrounding the vestibulocochlear nerve, typically within the internal auditory meatus. This meatus is the passageway in the skull through which the nerve travels from the inner ear to the brain.
Acoustic neuromas primarily manifest in individuals aged between 40 and 60 years and are slightly more prevalent in women compared to men.
The exact cause of an acoustic neuroma is typically unknown. However, in cases where tumors impact the nerves on both sides of the head simultaneously, it may be indicative of a broader condition known as neurofibromatosis. Neurofibromatosis is a disease characterized by various changes affecting the nervous system, skin, and bones.
The presence of an acoustic neuroma can result in several symptoms, including hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing or buzzing sounds in the ear), imbalance, and facial pain affecting the affected ear. As the tumor grows larger, it may give rise to additional complications such as ataxia, which is the loss of coordination, caused by the compression of the brainstem and cerebellum.
The process of diagnosing a condition involves conducting hearing tests first, which are then followed by the utilization of X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans. These imaging techniques provide detailed images of the body’s structures in either cross-sectional or three-dimensional formats.
In certain cases, the removal of an acoustic neuroma may require surgical intervention, while alternative treatment options such as radiotherapy can also be employed to effectively reduce its size.