Medical Information - ENT - Acoustic neuroma

ENT's series: Acoustic neuroma

Acoustic neuromas are slow-growing benign tumors that arise from the nerve of balance. Ninety-five percent of patients present with a unilateral (one-sided) sensorineural hearing loss. Associated symptoms include tinnitus (ringing in the ear) and a blockage sensation. The gold standard investigation for determining the presence of an acoustic neuroma is an MRI scan with contrast (figure 7).

Three treatment options are established; observation, stereotactic radiation and surgical excision. The factors that determine which option is best for a patient include age, size of tumor, presence of brainstem compression, hearing level and rate of tumor growth.

Related Links - http://anausa.org/

Related Articles