Vestibular Schwannoma (Acoustic Neuroma)
Vestibular schwannomas, also known as acoustic neuromas, are benign tumors that grow on the balance and hearing nerve in the brain. These tumors develop in the vestibular nerve, which connects the inner ear to the brainstem, and can cause symptoms such as hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), dizziness, and balance problems.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a vestibular schwannoma, it's important to understand the condition and the treatment options available. We’re here to help, please feel free to contact us.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of vestibular schwannomas is unknown, but it's believed to be a result of a mutation in the NF2 gene, which controls the growth of cells in the nervous system. Other risk factors may include a family history of the condition, exposure to loud noises, and certain medical conditions such as neurofibromatosis type 2.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a vestibular schwannoma can vary depending on the size and location of the tumor. Some common symptoms may include:
Hearing loss or ringing in the ears (tinnitus) on one side
Dizziness or vertigo
Balance problems or unsteadiness
Facial numbness or weakness
Headaches
Diagnosis
If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, you should speak with your doctor or contact us. Your doctor may perform a hearing test, balance test, or MRI to diagnose a vestibular schwannoma.
Treatment Options
The treatment for a vestibular schwannoma will depend on the size and location of the tumor, as well as your overall health. Some treatment options may include:
Observation: If the tumor is small and not causing any symptoms, your doctor may recommend monitoring the tumor with regular MRI scans to track its growth.
Surgery: If the tumor is large or causing significant symptoms, we may recommend surgery to remove the tumor. The goal of surgery is to remove as much of the tumor as possible (ideally the entire tumor when possible) while preserving the function of the hearing and balance nerves.
Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy may be used as an alternative to surgery or as a follow-up treatment to surgery. This type of therapy uses high-energy radiation to shrink the tumor.
Recovery and Prognosis
The recovery time and prognosis for vestibular schwannoma treatment will depend on the type of treatment you undergo. If you undergo surgery, you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days and a couple of weeks to recover at home. You may also need to participate in physical therapy to improve your balance and coordination.
The prognosis for vestibular schwannomas is generally good, as they are slow-growing and usually not cancerous. However, the outcome will depend on the size and location of the tumor, as well as the treatment approach taken and the experience of treating team.
Conclusion
Vestibular schwannomas can be a frightening diagnosis, but there are treatment options available. It's important to speak with your doctor about your symptoms and to work with them to develop a treatment plan that's right for you. By understanding the condition and the available treatment options, you can take an active role in managing your health and improving your quality of life.