What is Acoustic Neuroma?
Acoustic Neuromas, also known as vestibular schwannomas, are benign tumors derived from Schwann cells (insulating cells around the nerve) of the vestibular portion of the 8th cranial nerve. These can be sporadic or associated with neurofibromatosis type 2, and their presentation, size, and growth patterns may vary. Acoustic neuromas can present with unilateral hearing loss, and can be diagnosed with an audiogram demonstrated hearing loss and loss of acoustic reflexes, and subsequent MRI. If the acoustic neuroma is large, it can cause compression of the facial nerve, which may result in paralysis. Alternatively, the facial nerve is very delicate and may fail to function following even highly skilled removal of the neuroma. Tumor size, microsurgical technique, and intraoperative monitoring are important factors that can be attributed to the risk of postoperative facial paralysis. Patients presenting with neurofibromatosis type 2 can present with bilateral acoustic neuromas.
What are the symptoms of Acoustic Neuroma?
- Hearing loss
- Facial paralysis
What causes Acoustic Neuroma?
- Iatrogenic injury
- Tumor compression
- Neurofibromatosis Type 2
How can Acoustic Neuroma be treated?
Please consult with your neurosurgeon and neuro-otologist for the best treatment regimen for your acoustic neuroma.
Depending on the degree of injury to the facial nerve, your facial plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon can assist you with developing a treatment plan that fits your needs.
References
- Forgues M, Mehta R, Anderson D, Morel C, Miller L, Sevy A, Son L, Arriaga M. Non-contrast magnetic resonance imaging for monitoring patients with acoustic neuroma. J Laryngol Otol. 2018 Sep; 132(9):780-785.
- Kartush JM, Lundy LB. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 1992 Jun; 25(3):623-47.
Kaul V and Cosetti MK. Management of Vestibular Schwannoma (Including NF2): facial nerve considerations. Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America. 2018 Dec. 51(6):1193-1212.