What is a vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma)?

Acoustic neuromas are benign, slowly growing tumours that arise along the divisions of the eighth cranial nerve (also known as the vestibulocochlear nerve). This nerve runs from the brain to the inner ear and divides into divisions that are significant for hearing and balance.

Acoustic neuromas originate from Schwann cells, which envelop and hold nerve fibers together, thus the term vestibular schwannoma. Schwannomas may form on any cranial or peripheral nerve in the body, but acoustic neuromas are the most frequent schwannomas within the brain.

Acoustic neuromas usually develop where the central nervous system blends into the peripheral nervous system, a process known as porus acoustics.

What are the signs and symptoms of an acoustic neuroma?

The most frequent early symptom is hearing loss in one ear. Other signs are:

• Tinnitus (ringing of the ears).
• Balance problems.
• Vertigo.

Acoustic neuromas develop very slowly. As they develop, they might produce the following signs:

• Facial weakness or numbness.
• Headaches.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Alterations in your ability to taste.
• Swallowing trouble (dysphagia).
• Blurred vision or double vision.

What causes acoustic neuromas?

These tumours arise due to the multiplication of Schwann cells. Such cells stabilize and insulate the balance and hearing nerves within your peripheral nervous system. Specialists do not know why this occurs. They know individuals with neurofibromatosis type 2 might grow bilateral acoustic neuromas. Bilateral acoustic neuromas are growths on the auditory nerves within your brain's right and left sides.

How is an acoustic neuroma diagnosed?

Your doctor will question you regarding your symptoms and conduct a physical examination. They can do the following:

• Imaging tests include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans.
• Hearing tests, such as auditory brainstem response.
• Balance tests.
• Electronystagmography.

What are treatments for an acoustic neuroma?

There are several treatments for an acoustic neuroma, depending on the size and location of your tumour, how quickly it's growing and your overall health.

• Monitoring the tumour: small tumours usually just need to be watched with frequent MRI scans, and treatment is usually only advised if scans indicate it's growing
• Brain surgery: operation to remove all or part of the tumour through an incision in the skull might be performed under general anaesthetic if it's big or growing.
• Stereotactic radiosurgery: This technique uses a precise radiation beam to treat small tumors or any fragments of a larger tumor that are left over after surgery.

Each of these choices has certain dangers. For instance, facial numbness or paralysis—the inability to move a portion of your face—can occasionally result from surgery and radiosurgery.

Talk to your specialist about your most suitable choice and the risks and advantages.

What should I expect if I have an acoustic neuroma?

That varies according to your circumstances, including the type of surgery and complications. Your neurosurgeon will discuss treatment choices and complications with you so that you can expect what happens, including:

• Treatment choices if the tumour returns.
• Equipment that might help recovery from surgery-related hearing loss, including bone conduction hearing implants or CROS (contralateral routing of signals) hearing aids.

How do I care for myself?

If you have an acoustic neuroma, your doctor might choose to watch your case before performing treatment. You might be anxious or concerned that any alteration in your hearing or balance indicates the tumour is growing. If so, ask your doctor about certain changes that show the tumour is impacting your nerves.

If the condition produces symptoms, your provider can suggest surgery to remove the tumour. Surgery, in some instances, impacts nerves that help you keep your balance. In that situation, your provider will advise you to undergo vestibular rehabilitation therapy.

What questions do I ask my doctor?

If you have an acoustic neuroma, you might want to ask your doctor:

• Do I need treatment or will you just watch the tumor?
• What is the likelihood I'll have a beneficial hearing in my ear?
• How probable is the acoustic neuroma to recur following surgery or radiation treatment?
• Am I more likely to develop other kinds of tumours?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of acoustic neuroma surgery?
• Will I require rehabilitation following surgery?

Why Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma) Treatment in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital offers Vestibular Schwannoma Treatment in Lucknow. We have experienced team of ENT surgeons provides advanced diagnostics, skull base microsurgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, and post-op rehabilitation to ensure safe tumour removal, nerve preservation, and improved quality of life for patients with acoustic neuroma.

To seek an expert consultation for Acoustic Neuroma treatment in Lucknow, India:

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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