Acoustic neuromas affect the primary nerve that connects the inner ear to the brain. While these growths are noncancerous, they can cause increasingly serious health problems without the proper treatment. Fortunately, surgery and other procedures are effective at treating acoustic neuromas and their symptoms.
Schwann cells are crucial to the function of nerves that help with balance and hearing. In some people, these cells can multiply rapidly and cause abnormal growth. Acoustic neuromas are also referred to as vestibular schwannomas for this reason.
In most cases the cause of acoustic neuromas is not evident. However, the condition can sometimes result from a gene mutation that is passed along by people with neurofibromatosis type 2, a rare genetic disorder.
This type of benign tumour can often be identified by the following symptoms:
As acoustic neuromas become larger over time and compress different areas of the brain, they can also cause health effects like headaches, vomiting, problems swallowing, nausea, and blurred vision. These effects can sometimes become permanent.
Sizable acoustic neuromas are also associated with a serious complication known as hydrocephalus, which can lead to a dangerous accumulation of pressure within the skull. Hydrocephalus occurs when the growth exerts pressure on the brainstem and stops spinal fluid from draining efficiently.
Your doctor may monitor the acoustic neuroma if it is not causing symptoms and does not appear to be getting larger. When symptoms occur, radiosurgery can help shrink the growth and stop it from getting bigger. Microsurgery is another option, and these procedures can remove the entirety of the neuroma from the inner ear. Less frequently, doctors may recommend chemotherapy to reduce the growth.
In the event that surgery impacts a person’s balance, vestibular rehabilitation can help. A patient may also require a hearing aid if permanent damage has resulted from the growth of the neuroma.