An acoustic neuroma is a slow-growing tumor of the nerve that connects the ear to the brain. This nerve is located behind the ear right under the brain.
An acoustic neuroma is benign, which means it does not spread to other parts of the body or invade the tissue around it. However, it can damage several important nerves as it grows.
Alternative NamesVestibular schwannoma; Tumor - acoustic; Cerebellopontine angle tumor; Angle tumor
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsAn acoustic neuroma is believed to occur when there is a defect in a gene that normally prevents tumors from forming. The cause of the genetic defect is not known. However, acoustic neuroma can be linked with the genetic disorder neurofibromatosis type 2(NF2).
Acoustic neuromas are relatively uncommon.
SymptomsThe symptoms vary based on the size and location of the tumor. Because the tumor grows so slowly, symptoms usually start after the age of 30.
Common symptoms include:
Less common symptoms include:
The health care provider may diagnose an acoustic neuroma based on your medical history, an examination of your nervous system, or tests.
Often, the physical exam is normal at the time the tumor is diagnosed. Occasionally, the following signs may be present:
The most useful test to identify an acoustic neuroma is an MRI of the head. Other useful tests to diagnose the tumor and tell it apart from other causes of dizziness or vertigo include:
Depending on the size and location of the tumor, you and your health care provider must decide whether to watch the tumor (observation) or try to remove the tumor.
Many acoustic neuromas are small and grow very slowly. Small tumors with few or no symptoms may be followed. Regular MRI scans will be done.
If they are not treated, some acoustic neuromas can damage the nerves involved in hearing, 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:
Surgery is done to remove the tumor and prevent further hearing loss or other nerve damage.
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:
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 next to or around the nerves.
Expectations (prognosis)An acoustic neuroma is not cancer. The tumor does not spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. However, it may continue to grow and press on important structures in the skull.
People with small, slow-growing tumors may not need treatment.
Once hearing loss occurs, it does not return after surgery.
ComplicationsCall your health care provider if you experience new or worsening hearing loss or vertigo (dizziness).
ReferencesBrackmann DE, Arriaga MA. Neoplasms of the posterior fossa. In: Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier;2010:chap 177.
Battista RA. Gamma knife radiosurgery for vestibular schwannoma. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2009;42:635-654.
Sweeney P, Yajnik S, Hartsell W, Bovis G, Venkatesan J. Stereotactic radiotherapy for vestibular schwannoma. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2009;42:655-663.
An acoustic neuroma is a slow-growing tumor of the nerve that connects the ear to the brain. This nerve is called the vestibular cochlear nerve. It is behind the ear right under the brain.
An acoustic neuroma is not cancerous (benign), which means it does not spread to other parts of the body. However, it can damage several important nerves as it grows.
Alternative NamesVestibular schwannoma; Tumor - acoustic; Cerebellopontine angle tumor; Angle tumor
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsAcoustic neuromas have been linked with the genetic disorder neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2).
Acoustic neuromas are relatively uncommon.
SymptomsThe symptoms vary based on the size and location of the tumor. Because the tumor grows so slowly, symptoms usually start after the age of 30.
Common symptoms include:
Less common symptoms include:
The health care provider may diagnose an acoustic neuroma based on your medical history, an examination of your nervous system, or tests.
Often, the physical exam is normal at the time the tumor is diagnosed. Occasionally, the following signs may be present:
The most useful test to identify an acoustic neuroma is an MRI of the head. Other useful tests to diagnose the tumor and tell it apart from other causes of dizziness or vertigo include:
Treatment depends on the size and location of the tumor, your age, and 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, particularly 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:
Surgery is done to remove the tumor and prevent other nerve damage. Any remaining hearing is often lost with surgery.
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:
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 next to or around the nerves.
Expectations (prognosis)An acoustic neuroma is not cancer. The tumor does not spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. However, it may continue to grow and press on important structures in the skull.
People with small, slow-growing tumors may not need treatment.
Once hearing loss occurs, it does not return after surgery.
ComplicationsCall your health care provider if you experience new or worsening hearing loss, ringing in your ears, or vertigo (dizziness).
ReferencesBrackmann DE, Arriaga MA. Neoplasms of the posterior fossa. In: Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier;2010:chap 177.
Battista RA. Gamma knife radiosurgery for vestibular schwannoma. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2009;42:635-654.
Sweeney P, Yajnik S, Hartsell W, Bovis G, Venkatesan J. Stereotactic radiotherapy for vestibular schwannoma. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2009;42:655-663.
Conley GS, Hirsch BE. Stereotactic radiation treatment of vestibular schwannoma: indications, limitations, and outcomes. Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2010 Oct;18(5):351-6.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 05/31/2011
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Seth Schwartz, MD, MPH, Otolaryngologist, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
I was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma. Had FSR and now I have multiple complications.
An acoustic neuroma is a benign tissue growth situated in the hearing canal.
Acoustic neuroma is a non-cancerous growth (a tumour) in the brain. It grows on the acoustic nerve in the brain, the nerve that controls hearing and balance. The common symptoms are hearing loss and vertigo.
most common first symptom of an acoustic neuroma is hearing loss, which is often accompanied by a ringing sound (tinnitis). People with acoustic neuromas sometimes report difficulties in using the phone
If an acoustic neuroma is strongly suspected then magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is usually performed. The MRI is a very accurate evaluation that is able to detect nearly 100% of acoustic neuromas
The mean age of onset of acoustic neuroma in NF2 is 31 years of age versus 50 years of age for sporadic acoustic neuromas.
The nerve leading from the inner ear to the brain
Tboz Watkins, Mark Ruffao
should be considered in someone under the age of 40 who has a unilateral acoustic neuroma. Someone with a unilateral acoustic neuroma and other family members diagnosed with NF2 probably is affected with NF2
many small beams of radiation are aimed directly at the acoustic neuroma. The radiation is administered in a single large dose, under local anesthetic and is performed on an outpatient basis
As the tumors keep on growing a young person who develops acoustic neuroma will almost always eventually develop symptoms from it.
Acoustic Neuroma is a brain disease in which certain parts of the brain degrade resulting in deafness. There are currently no treatments for this disease other than surgery.