Acoustic Neuroma is a condition that affects the hearing and sense of balance. Also called vestibular schwannoma, it is a benign ear tumour that may cause ringing in the ear, affect balance, and cause facial weakness or numbness. The tumour develops on the vestibulocochlear nerve (the nerve that sends signals from the inner ear to the brain).
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Acoustic neuroma may be caused by several factors including genetic mutation, exposure to radiation, age, etc. Individuals suffering from acoustic neuroma may experience symptoms like tinnitus, balance issues, vertigo etc. If left untreated the tumour may continue to grow leading to permanent hearing loss, worsening dizziness, fluid buildup in the brain, and can have neurological symptoms.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery: Treatment involves beams of radiation focused on the tumour. Radiosurgery is a recommended treatment option for small—to medium-sized tumours.
Surgery: The surgery involves the removal of a tumour through an incision from behind the ears.
Chemotherapy: For severe cases, chemotherapy drugs are used by specialists to help shrink the tumour.
Monitoring: For cases where tumour growth is slow or there is no growth, observation is the recommended way of treatment. Regular MRIs and other scans are done to keep track.
These figures are approximate and can vary based on individual circumstances, hospital facilities, and additional services required.
Balance Problems: The compression of the vestibular nerve can lead to worsening dizziness, vertigo, and balance difficulties.
Facial Nerve Damage: The tumour pressing against the facial nerve may lead to facial weakness, paralysis, etc.
Progressive Hearing Loss: The growing tumour can damage the auditory nerve causing progressive hearing loss and may also become permanent over time.
Neurological Symptoms: As the tumour grows it may compress the surrounding structures leading to conditions like, cognitive decline or memory loss, speech problems, etc.
| Aspect | Modern Techniques | Traditional Techniques |
| Minimally Invasive | Non-invasive options like Gamma Knife radiosurgery | Requires invasive open surgeries |
| Recovery Time | Shorter recovery | Longer recovery |
| Risk of Complications | Lower risk of complications | Higher risk of complications |
| Hearing Preservation | Better hearing preservation with focused radiation | Higher risk of hearing loss due to nerve damage |
| Cost Efficiency | Often costs less due to reduced hospitalisation | Higher costs due to surgical procedures |
As of now, there are no natural remedies known for reducing or shrinking acoustic neuroma naturally.
Yes, acoustic neuroma is considered an encapsulated tumour.
Yes, acoustic neuroma can cause headaches.
Acoustic neuroma can be removed by stereotactic radiosurgery, chemotherapy, or through surgery.
Acoustic neuroma can be serious if the tumour grows and starts to press the vital brain structure.
Various imaging tests help diagnose acoustic neuroma including, MRI, vestibular testing, CT scan, audiometry, etc.
