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Acoustic Neuroma

There are several types of schwannoma tumors, including acoustic neuroma. Below are the symptoms of acoustic neuroma. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with acoustic neuroma, our team can help.

What is an acoustic neuroma?

Acoustic neuroma, also called a vestibular schwannoma, is a benign tumor that grows on one of the main nerves leading from your inner ear to your brain. It can cause hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), balance problems, and other symptoms. If left untreated, it can eventually lead to paralysis of facial muscles, difficulty speaking, and, in some cases, it can cause fluid buildup (hydrocephalus) that can compress the brainstem and become life-threatening.

Fortunately, acoustic neuromas are usually slow growing and can be treated with surgery or radiation therapy. With early detection and the treatment options available today, most people diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma respond well to treatment with few complications. However, hearing loss in the affected ear is common.

Symptoms of acoustic neuroma

Since acoustic neuromas are slow-growing, symptoms may take months or even years to develop. The most common symptom is hearing loss in one ear, which occurs in approximately 90% of people with acoustic neuromas. Other  symptoms of acoustic neuroma could include:

  • Ringing in one ear
  • A feeling of fullness in one ear
  • Dizziness or vertigo
  • Loss of balance or coordination

It is important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other common health issues. If you have been experiencing any of the above symptoms, however, especially if they worsen, seek medical attention.

Diagnosing acoustic neuroma

Your doctor may perform multiple tests to diagnose an acoustic neuroma, including:

  • A physical examination
  • Hearing tests
  • Imaging tests, such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan, which determine a tumor’s location and size
  • An electronystagmogram, which tests balance and how well your eye and ear nerves are working

If you have undergone any of the above tests and need guidance on next steps or a second opinion based on your results, call us at (847) 618-4430

Causes of acoustic neuroma

The exact causes of acoustic neuroma are still not fully understood. It is believed to be related to a genetic mutation in the gene responsible for producing a tumor suppressor protein. In some cases, this gene mutation can be found in a family line, indicating that there may be an inherited risk factor.

Treatments for acoustic neuroma

If you have been diagnosed with acoustic neuroma, it is important to learn about the various treatments available for your particular circumstances. There are generally three treatment options:

Observation
If your tumor is small, not growing, and not causing any symptoms, your doctor may recommend monitoring with no other active treatment. You should have regular check-ups with a specialist and MRI scans to ensure that the tumor is not growing, and that the treatment plan remains effective.
Removal Surgery
Surgery is a common treatment for acoustic neuroma. It is performed under general anesthesia and often involves removing the majority of the tumor or a portion of it, depending on its size and location. While there are risks to surgery, technological advancements have made this procedure safer and more successful than ever before, leading to a greater chance of a full recovery with minimal side effects. At Intent Medical Group, we have innovative and highly advanced, minimally invasive surgical techniques for the treatment of acoustic neuroma.
Radiosurgery
Radiosurgery is a form of radiation therapy that involves delivering high doses of radiation to the tumor while avoiding effects on healthy tissue. The main goal is to prevent further growth. This treatment is not generally recommended for those with large tumors.

What to do after an acoustic neuroma diagnosis?

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with acoustic neuroma, you’ll need a team of specialists who are experienced at providing innovative and compassionate care. The Intent Medical Group the Endeavor Health Advanced Neurosciences Center team offers holistic and patient-centered care for those suffering from rare neurological issues and can help you return to the life you love. From diagnosis to treatment and beyond, we’ve got you.