ACOUSTIC NEUROMA

Symptoms may vary depending on the location of the tumor in the inner ear. It may include:

• Gradual or Total Hearing Loss
• Ringing in the Ears (Tinnitus)
• Pain in the Ear
• Blur Vision or other Vision Problems
• Dizziness
• Headaches or Vertigo
• Loss of Balance
• Loss of Sensation or Numbness

DIAGNOSIS

Signs and symptoms of Acoustic neuroma may be similar to other conditions like Neuritis and Atherosclerosis. To diagnose Acoustic neuroma, you may undergo different tests such as:

• Hearing Test – also known as Audiometry. In this test, a hearing specialist (audiologist) will present a range of sounds of various tones to determine your hearing ability.
• Balance Test
• Test for Brainstem Function
• MRI or CT scan –These may confirm the presence of the tumor in the ear.

TREATMENT

Treatment options for Acoustic neuroma may depend on the patients age, general health, and the location and size of the tumor. Treatment options may include:

1. Surgery or removal of the tumor.

• Stereotactic radiosurgery –This method delivers radiation directly to the tumor, thus it doesn’t require incision of any body part.
• Microsurgical removal –Incision is done in the skull wherein the patient is put under general anesthesia.

2. Radiation Therapy-This process reduces the size of the tumor. It is sometimes done after a surgery to ensure that there are no traces of tumor left.

• Proton beam therapy –This radiation therapy uses protons (high-energy beams of positively charged particle) to treat tumors. This is delivered directly to the tumor, thus, minimize radiation impact or exposure to other cells which are healthy.

After treatment for Acoustic neuroma, condition should be monitored to see if there are recurring symptoms that may indicate growth of tumor.

3. Supportive therapy –It refers to other treatments that address the symptoms such as dizziness or other complications brought by Acoustic neuroma. Hearing loss may be treated with a cochlear implants.