It is unknown, however, why this genetic defect occurs. Acoustic neuromas are thought to arise when there is a defect in a certain tumour suppressor gene.

Tumours are typically described as small (less than 1.5cm), medium (1.5cm to 2.5cm) or large (more than 2.5cm). Vital functions to sustain life can be threatened when large tumours cause severe pressure on the brainstem and cerebellum at the base of the brain. Larger tumours can press on the facial nerve. The slowly enlarging tumour protrudes from the internal auditory canal and eventually forms a pear shape with the small end in the internal auditory canal. This canal is approximately 2cm long and it’s here that acoustic neuromas originate from the sheath surrounding the acoustic nerve.Īcoustic neuromas usually grow slowly at their site of origin over a period of years. These pathways, along with the facial nerve, lie adjacent to each other as they pass from the skull cavity and enter a bony canal called the internal auditory canal, which leads to the inner ear. This nerve has two parts, one part associated with transmitting sound and the other with sending balance information to the brain from the inner ear. The acoustic nerve, also called the 8th cranial nerve or vestibulocochlear nerve, leads from the brain to the inner ear.

Treatment may include surgical removal of the tumour or radiation therapy to retard its growth.Īn acoustic neuroma is a benign (doesn’t spread to other parts of the body) brain tumour that develops in the acoustic or auditory nerve, which is responsible for hearing.

Symptoms vary with the size and location of the tumour.

Acoustic neuromas are relatively uncommon as a whole, but account for 5-10% of all brain tumours.

One possible cause of acoustic neuroma is a defect in a certain tumour-suppressor gene.

An acoustic neuroma is a benign tumour of the acoustic or auditory nerve, which leads from the brain to the inner ear.

Vestibular schwannoma, acoustic neurinoma, acoustic neurofibroma Summary

The growth pattern of acoustic neuroma is challenging to predict.An acoustic neuroma is a benign brain tumour that develops in the acoustic or auditory nerve, which is responsible for hearing. In some cases, the growth rate is more rapid, but this is rare. Acoustic Neuroma neck pain symptoms are also commonly reported.Īn acoustic neuroma is generally a slow-growing tumour.

Other nerves can also be compressed, including the nerve that controls face sensation, the voice box and the swallowing nerves. In addition to affecting the hearing and balance nerves, the facial nerve is slowly stretched over the tumour, affecting the function of facial muscles. Tumours are potentially lethal if they are not removed from these vital structures. This hearing loss can be accompanied by balance issues, leading to a tendency to veer or stagger.Īs the tumours grow, they can cause the brainstem (where the brain meets the spinal cord) to compress or fluid to build up. Hearing loss is usually progressive but can be sudden and dramatic in about one per cent of cases. The first symptoms of acoustic neuroma are usually a nerve hearing loss (known as sensorineural hearing loss), often in only one ear, and paired with tinnitus (ringing in the ear).

Auditory nerve neuroma