Acoustic Neuroma
Definition and Presentation
A benign tumour growing in the internal auditory canal and often
expanding into the cranial cavity towards the brainstem. It usually
originates from the vestibular nerve, which supplies the organ of
balance. It should therefore more appropriately be called
vestibular schwannoma. Symptoms are caused by mechanical
compression of adjacent nerves and the brainstem. Thus the most
common symptom is hearing loss. Other common symptoms are ringing
in the ear (tinnitus) and vertigo. Very large tumours may cause
many other neurological problems due to mechanical pressure on the
brainstem.
Diagnosis
CT and/or MRI, Hearing test results are suggestive
Treatment
Gamma Knife surgery is an appropriate consideration for tumours
of a volume up to 10cc (3cm across). Alternative treatments are
various surgical procedures. Tumours causing symptoms due to
brainstem compression should always be candidates for surgery.
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24 months post |