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| Index of Diseases and Conditions: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z |
Acoustic neuroma is a non-cancerous tumor that develops on the nerve that connects the ear to the brain. The tumor usually grows slowly. As it grows, it presses against the hearing and balance nerves. At first, you may have no symptoms or mild symptoms. They can include
Acoustic neuroma can be difficult to diagnose, because the symptoms are similar to those of middle ear problems. Ear exams, hearing tests and scans can show if you have it.
If the tumor stays small, you may only need to have it checked regularly. If you do need treatment, surgery and radiation are options. If the tumors affect both hearing nerves, it is often because of a genetic disorder called neurofibromatosis. The tumor can also eventually cause numbness or paralysis of the face. If it grows large enough, it can press against the brain, becoming life-threatening.
'''Acoustic neuroma''' (or '''Vestibular Schwannoma''') is a benign tumor of the acoustic nerve (more properly the vestibulocochlear nerve) just after it has left the brainstem, in the pontine angle. Associated symptoms are unilateral sensorineural hearing loss/deafness and vertigo. Larger tumors can compress local structures such as the facial nerve, and lead to local symptoms such as hydrocephalus. While most cases occur sporadically, rare cases may be attributable to neurofibromatosis (type 2).
Acoustic Neuroma Archive - Comprehensive informational site by and for acoustic neuroma patients with advice, news, stories, directories and links.
Acoustic Neuroma Association - Nonprofit organization providing information and support to patients.
My Acoustic Neuroma Experience - A diary of an engineer's experience with acoustic neuroma. A personal site that is very informative and interesting reading.
British Acoustic Neuroma Association - General information, including treatment options, news, plus details of local groups.
Acoustic Neuroma Association of Canada - Information including treatment options and post - operative issues. Membership details and message board.
Brian's Acoustic Neuroma UK Pages - Brian Lloyd describes personal experience of acoustic neuroma, life after his operation, impact, facts and figures, disability and benefits issues, hints and tips, lipreading and communication, glossary and links.
The Department of Neurological Surgery: University of Pittsburgh. - Acoustic neuromas (vestibular schwannomas) treatment options discussed including surgery, gamma knife radiosurgery and fractionated radiotherapy. Statistics, links and reference list provided.
General Practice Notebook - Acoustic neuroma - Clinically-oriented information.
What Is An Acoustic Neuroma? - Patient-oriented information on this disorder, including tinnitus, speech discrimination and facial nerve preservation.
Seattle Acoustic Neuroma Group - Acoustic neuroma treatment options, support, links to doctors and hospitals, radiosurgery and microsurgery, and to other sites on acoustic neuroma. German and Spanish language versions.