What is an acoustic neuroma?

Acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor of the nerve leading from the ear to the brain. Although the tumor is not cancer and will not spread to other structures, it can cause serious symptoms and can grow sufficiently large to affect important structures in the brain. Acoustic neuromas are usually located near the brain base and are one of the most common brain tumors, although they are generally rare. The tumor is very slowly growing and therefore the symptoms usually do not appear 30 years ago. tinnitus, feeling of ringing in the ear; And vertigo, the feeling of movement when the body is still. Other symptoms may include dizziness and loss of balance for dizziness, numbness or pain in the face or one ear, weakness of facial muscles, problems with understanding speech, temporary problems with vision, fatigue and headache. Headache as a symptom of acoustic neuroma often occurs early in the morning and can awaken the patient. Can also be accompanied by nausea or reversal and is often worse when the patient is in certain positions like withezing or lying. Sneezing, cough or otherwise stress may also worsen headache.

Acoustic neuroma is diagnosed with physical tests, including hearing, dizziness and balance tests. The most useful test is often scanning magnetic resonance (MRI) or computer tomography (CT) head. If the tumor is small and is not accompanied by serious symptoms, the patient can be simply maintained under observation. Since the tumor is slowly growing, it may never be a problem during the patient's life.

If anacoustic neuroma grows sufficiently large enough to negatively affect the quality of life of the patient, or to endanger the structures in the skull, surgery is usually used to remove the tumor. In some cases, brain surgery may be required to save the patient's life if the tumor pushes important brain structures. Acoustic neuromas can be treated with traditional surgery or radiochIrurgy. Radiosurgery can only be used on relatively small tumors and is focused on ending the tumor growth rather than removal. After each type of surgery, the patient may suffer from permanent hearing or nerve damage, so they are only used as a last option.