Acoustic neuroma also known as vestibular schwannoma is a noncancerous tumor that develops on the inner nerve which connects brain with inner ear. This nerve is responsible for sense of hearing and maintaining an upright position. The growth often occurs slowly, ultimately leads to increased size and exerts pressure on the inner nerve as well as other brain tissues. As a result, it can affect other motor functions as well. In rare cases, it can compress the brainstem and threaten the life by cutting down blood supply to brain.
This unwanted growth often occurs as a result of malfunctioning gene on chromosome 22. This gene is responsible for a protein that controls the growth of Schwann cells around the nerves. The cause behind this malfunctioning is not clear. When contracted by this disorder, a person feels ringing sensation in ears accompanied by inability to maintain steadiness.
In a rare disease known as neurofibromatosis type 2, tumors develop on inner nerves located in both the sides of head. It is a commonly acknowledged risk factor for this disease. Childhood exposure to radiation especially in the head and neck area can increase the risk of developing Acoustic neuroma.
Symptoms:-
 Symptoms worsen as the tumor grows. However tumor size is not always associated with severity of effects. Since the symptoms develop gradually, it is difficult to detect the tumor in time. When detected, chances are that it has already progressed to advanced stage and thus difficult to cure. Common symptoms are loss of hearing accompanied by unsteadiness
Complications:-
1.Sudden hearing loss-usually affecting only one ear
2.Ringing sensation(tinnitus) in the ear
3.Dizziness or vertigo
4.Weakness
5.Facial numbness
6.Inability to maintain steady posture
Large tumor development prevents communication between brain and spinal cord. It causes a condition known as hydrocephalus in which cerebrospinal fluid is built up inside the head increasing the pressure on the brain.
Diagnosis:-
1.Hearing test (audiometry) –This test is conducted to assess the extent of hearing loss. One ear is tested at a time. Patients are made to listen to various tones at faint levels to check whether the hearing ability is completely lost.
2.Scans: - MRI, CT scans are administered to check the presence of tumor. These scans help to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment:-
Treatment varies from person to person. It depends on size and growth of tumor.
1.Monitoring: - In case the tumor is small in size and not growing, doctors recommend regular scanning and audiometry every 6 months. This option is usually chosen for older people or those who are not suitable for surgery.
2.Stereotactic radiosurgery: - This technique is used to stop or slow down growth of tumor. It is used as prevention technique to preserve facial nerve's function and hearing. However, this surgery may take time to show the effects.
3.Surgical removal: - This technique is used to remove the tumor though inner ear or through the hole made in the skull.
This unwanted growth often occurs as a result of malfunctioning gene on chromosome 22. This gene is responsible for a protein that controls the growth of Schwann cells around the nerves. The cause behind this malfunctioning is not clear. When contracted by this disorder, a person feels ringing sensation in ears accompanied by inability to maintain steadiness.
In a rare disease known as neurofibromatosis type 2, tumors develop on inner nerves located in both the sides of head. It is a commonly acknowledged risk factor for this disease. Childhood exposure to radiation especially in the head and neck area can increase the risk of developing Acoustic neuroma.
Symptoms:-
 Symptoms worsen as the tumor grows. However tumor size is not always associated with severity of effects. Since the symptoms develop gradually, it is difficult to detect the tumor in time. When detected, chances are that it has already progressed to advanced stage and thus difficult to cure. Common symptoms are loss of hearing accompanied by unsteadiness
Complications:-
1.Sudden hearing loss-usually affecting only one ear
2.Ringing sensation(tinnitus) in the ear
3.Dizziness or vertigo
4.Weakness
5.Facial numbness
6.Inability to maintain steady posture
Large tumor development prevents communication between brain and spinal cord. It causes a condition known as hydrocephalus in which cerebrospinal fluid is built up inside the head increasing the pressure on the brain.
Diagnosis:-
1.Hearing test (audiometry) –This test is conducted to assess the extent of hearing loss. One ear is tested at a time. Patients are made to listen to various tones at faint levels to check whether the hearing ability is completely lost.
2.Scans: - MRI, CT scans are administered to check the presence of tumor. These scans help to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment:-
Treatment varies from person to person. It depends on size and growth of tumor.
1.Monitoring: - In case the tumor is small in size and not growing, doctors recommend regular scanning and audiometry every 6 months. This option is usually chosen for older people or those who are not suitable for surgery.
2.Stereotactic radiosurgery: - This technique is used to stop or slow down growth of tumor. It is used as prevention technique to preserve facial nerve's function and hearing. However, this surgery may take time to show the effects.
3.Surgical removal: - This technique is used to remove the tumor though inner ear or through the hole made in the skull.
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