Acoustic neuroma
A vestibular schwannoma (VS), also called acoustic neuroma, is a tumor that develops on the vestibulocochlear nerve that passes from the inner ear to the brain. The tumor originates when Schwann cells that form the insulating myelin sheath on the nerve malfunction. Normally, Schwann cells function beneficially to protect the nerves which transmit balance and sound information to the brain. However, sometimes a in the tumor suppressor gene, NF2, located on 22, results in abnormal production of the cell named Merlin, and Schwann cells multiply to form a tumor. The tumor originates mostly on the vestibular division of the nerve rather than the cochlear division, but hearing as well as balance will be affected as the tumor enlarges.
Underlined words are explained — tap any of them.
Symptoms — what it feels like
- ·Gradual hearing loss, dizziness, tinnitus
How it's found
- ·Hearing exam, MRI exam
Prevention
- ·Tumor management
Treatment
- ·Radiosurgery and radiotherapy
Complications
- ·Brain tumor growth; unilateral facial , single-sided hearing loss
Outlook
- ·Variable, based on size of tumor; larger brain may result in brainstem compression, headache, vomiting, vertigo, , mental disorientation, coma, and death