Branches of this nerve directly influence your balance and hearing, and pressure from an acoustic neuroma can cause hearing loss, ringing in your ear and unsteadiness.
What is acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma)?
Overview. Acoustic neuroma, also known as vestibular schwannoma, is a noncancerous and usually slow-growing tumor that develops on the main (vestibular) nerve leading from your inner ear to your brain. Branches of this nerve directly influence your balance and hearing, and pressure from an acoustic neuroma can cause hearing loss,…
Should I get an MRI for an ear neuroma?
Still, to be on the safe side, he asked me to undergo an MRI. About 1 in 100,000 people will have a neuroma in the ear which can cause these symptoms. But not to worry, he assured me. This was just a formality and was exceedingly rare. I was just getting older, albeit unevenly. On Monday, I went in for the MRI.
What percentage of acoustic neuromas are neurofibromatosis type 2?
But neurofibromatosis type 2 only accounts for about 5 percent of acoustic neuroma cases. A hallmark characteristic of neurofibromatosis type 2 is the development of noncancerous tumors on the balance nerves on both sides of your head, as well as on other nerves.
What is the difference between NF2 and acoustic neuroma?
Almost everyone with NF2 develops an acoustic neuroma on both nerves for hearing (acoustic nerves) – ie there is a tumour on the nerves on both sides of the head (bilateral). People with an acoustic neuroma but who don’t have NF2 usually only develop a tumour on one side (unilateral).
What is the treatment for acoustic neuroma of the face?
Surgery. The goal of surgery is to remove the tumor, preserve the facial nerve to prevent facial paralysis and preserve hearing when possible. Surgery for an acoustic neuroma is performed under general anesthesia and involves removing the tumor through the inner ear or through a window in your skull.
