Acoustic Neuroma

The symptoms vary based on the size and location of the tumor. Because the tumor grows so
slowly, symptoms usually start after age 30.
 
Common symptoms include:

• Abnormal feeling of movement (vertigo)
• Hearing loss in the affected ear that makes it hard to hear conversations
• Ringing (tinnitus) in the affected ear
   

Less common symptoms include:

• Difficulty understanding speech
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Loss of balance
• Numbness in the face or one ear
• Pain in the face or one ear
• Weakness of the face
• Signs and tests
   

The health care provider may suspect an acoustic neuroma based on your medical history, an
examination of your nervous system, or tests.
 
Often, the physical exam is normal when the tumor is diagnosed. Sometimes, the following signs
may be present:

• Decreased feeling on one side of the face
• Drooping on one side of the face
• Unsteady walk
   

The most useful test to identify an acoustic neuroma is an MRI of the brain. Other tests to
diagnose the tumor and tell it apart from other causes of dizziness or vertigo include:

• Hearing test (audiology)
• Test of equilibrium and balance (electronystagmography)
• Test of hearing and brainstem function (brainstem auditory evoked response)
• Treatment
   

Treatment depends on the size and location of the tumor, your age, and your overall health. You and your health care provider must decide whether to watch the tumor (observation), use radiation to stop it from growing, or try to remove it.
 
Many acoustic neuromas are small and grow very slowly. Small tumors with few or no symptoms may be followed, especially in older patients. Regular MRI scans will be done.
 
If they are not treated, some acoustic neuromas can damage the nerves involved in hearing and balance, as well as the nerves responsible for movement and feeling in the face. Very large tumors can lead to a buildup of fluid (hydrocephalus) in the brain, which can be life-threatening.
 
Removing an acoustic neuroma is more commonly done for:

• Larger tumors
• Tumors that are causing symptoms
• Tumors that are growing quickly
• Tumors that are pressing on the brain
   

Surgery is done to remove the tumor and prevent other nerve damage. Any hearing that is left is often lost with surgery. Removing an acoustic neuroma can damage nerves, causing loss of hearing or weakness in the face muscles. This damage is more likely to occur when the tumor is large.

 
Stereotactic radiosurgery focuses high-powered x-rays on a small area. It is considered to be a form of radiation therapy, not a surgical procedure. It may be used:

• To slow down or stop the growth of tumors that are hard to remove with surgery
• To treat patients who are unable to have surgery, such as the elderly or people who are very sick