Acoustic Neuroma
Acoustic neuroma is also called neurilemmoma, vestibular schwannoma, or neurinoma.
Acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor of the nerve of hearing (the 8th cranial nerve). It is located in the angle between the cerebellum and the pons, in the posterior fossa (the back of the skull).
This tumor typically grows very slowly. Acoustic neuromas usually occur in middle-aged adults; women are twice as likely to develop an acoustic neuroma than a man. Acoustic neuromas account for fewer than 7.5% of all primary (originating in the brain) brain tumors. Although considered a neuroma, most are actually schwannomas. Acoustic neuromas usually become symptomatic after the age of 30.
Symptoms include:
- one-sided hearing loss
- buzzing or ringing in the ear
- dizziness (less common)
- difficulty swallowing
- impaired eye movement
- taste disturbances
- unsteadiness
If the tumor also affects the facial nerve (the 7th cranial nerve), facial paralysis can occur.
Total surgical removal using microsurgical techniques is often possible.
Stereotactic radiosurgery might be used as an alternative to surgery for some patients.
For more information about acoustic neuromas, contact the
Acoustic Neuroma Association.