Index
It is a non-cancerous (benign) type of brain tumor. It is also known as a vestibular schwannoma.
A benign brain tumor is a growth in the brain that usually grows slowly over many years and does not spread to other parts of the body.
Acoustic neuromas grow on the nerve used for hearing and balance, which can cause problems such as hearing loss and instability.
They can sometimes be serious if they get very large, but most are picked up and treated before they reach this stage.
Acoustic neuromas tend to affect adults ages 30 to 60 and generally have no obvious cause, although a small number of cases are the result of a genetic condition called neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2).
Symptoms of an acoustic neuroma
An acoustic neuroma may not cause any obvious symptoms at first. Any symptoms tend to develop gradually and often include:
- Hearing loss that usually only affects one ear.
- Tinnitus (hearing sounds that come from inside the body).
- Vertigo (the feeling that you are moving or spinning).
A large acoustic neuroma can also sometimes cause:
- Persistent headaches
- Blurred or temporary double vision.
- Numbness, pain, or weakness on one side of the face.
- Problems with limb coordination (ataxia) on one side of the body.
- A hoarse voice or difficulty swallowing.
Causes of acoustic neuroma
There are two types of acoustic neuroma: a sporadic form and a form associated with a syndrome called neurofibromatosis type II (NF2). NF2 is an inherited disorder characterized by the growth of non-cancerous tumors in the nervous system.
Acoustic neuromas are the most common of these tumors and often present in both ears by age 30.
NF2 is a rare disorder. It represents only 5% of acoustic neuromas. This means that the vast majority are the sporadic form.
Doctors are not sure what causes the sporadic form. A known risk factor for acoustic neuroma is exposure to high doses of radiation, especially to the head and neck.
Diagnosis
See your GP if you have persistent or troublesome symptoms that you are concerned may be caused by an acoustic neuroma.
Acoustic neuromas can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms can be caused by other conditions, such as Ménière’s disease.
If your GP thinks you might have an acoustic neuroma, they will refer you to a hospital or clinic for further tests, such as:
- Hearing tests to detect hearing problems and determine if they are caused by a nerve problem.
- An MRI scan, which uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce a detailed image of the inside of your head.
- A CT scan, which uses a series of x-rays to create a detailed picture of the inside of your head.
Treatments for acoustic neuromas
There are several different treatment options for an acoustic neuroma, depending on the size and position of your tumor, how fast it is growing, and your general health.
The main options are:
- Tumor monitoring : Small tumors often only need to be monitored with regular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and the treatments below are generally only recommended if scans show it is getting larger.
- Brain surgery: Surgery to remove the tumor through a cut in the skull may be done under general anesthesia if it is large or enlarging.
- Stereotactic radiosurgery : Small tumors or any portion of a larger tumor that remains after surgery can be treated with a precise beam of radiation to prevent enlargement.
All of these options carry some risks. For example, surgery and radiosurgery can sometimes cause facial numbness or paralysis (the inability to move part of the face).
Talk to your specialist about the best option for you and what the benefits and risks are.
Acoustic neuromas perspective
Large acoustic neuromas can be serious because they can sometimes cause a life-threatening fluid buildup in the brain (hydrocephalus).
However, it is rare for them to reach this stage. Many grow very slowly or not at all, and those that grow faster can be treated before they get too big.
Even with treatment, symptoms such as hearing loss and tinnitus can persist and affect your ability to work, communicate, and drive. These problems may need additional treatment; read more about treating hearing loss and treating tinnitus.
An acoustic neuroma can occasionally return after treatment. This is believed to happen to about 1 in 20 people who have had a surgical removal.
You will likely continue to do regular MRI scans after any treatment, to check if the tumor is growing again or if it is coming back.