Acoustic neuroma

A benign slow-growing tumour, which, following detection, usually remains stable.

Unilateral sensorineural hearing loss is the most common symptom, followed by intermittent dizziness and facial numbness.

Larger tumours may cause headaches, coordination difficulties, and obstructive hydrocephalus, and, as a result, may be life threatening.

Diagnosis is confirmed by gadolinium-enhanced MRI scan.

Management includes observation, focused radiation, or surgery.

Treatment options and outcome vary depending on local expertise and patient preference.

A benign cerebellopontine angle tumour that grows from the superior vestibular component of the vestibulocochlear nerve, usually presenting with unilateral sensorineural hearing loss.[1]Tos M, Charabi S, Thomsen J. Clinical experience with vestibular schwannomas: epidemiology, symptomatology, diagnosis, and surgical results. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 1998;255(1):1-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9592666?tool=bestpractice.com [2]Jones KD. Summary: vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma) consensus development conference. Neurosurgery. 1993 May;32(5):878-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8492871?tool=bestpractice.com Acoustic neuroma is a misnomer, because the tumour actually grows on the vestibular component and is pathologically a schwannoma. Therefore, acoustic neuromas are also called vestibular schwannomas, and the two terms may be used interchangeably. Tumours can enlarge significantly to cause cerebellar findings and obstructive hydrocephalus, and may become life threatening as a result.