Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma)
What is an Acoustic Neuroma?
Acoustic neuroma, also known as vestibular schwannoma, is a non-cancerous tumour that grows on the nerve that connects your inner ear to your brain. The inner ear is important for both balance (vestibular organ) and hearing (cochlear), hence this nerve is called the vestibulocochlear nerve. The type of tumour in acoustic neuroma is benign so cannot spread/multiply into other areas of the body, but it can grow. Typically, the growth is very slow and often the patient requires no treatment, however if the acoustic neuroma grows large enough to start pressing against the brain, radiation treatment or surgical removal is required.
What are the symptoms of an Acoustic Neuroma?
Often the symptoms of acoustic neuroma are very subtle, as they develop slowly and the patient may be able to adapt and compensate for them in the early stages. The main symptoms relate to the tumour’s effects on the hearing and balance systems of the inner ear, as the tumour can grow and constrict the flow of communication through the vestibulocochlear nerve. The symptoms include hearing loss in the affected ear, tinnitus (such as ringing sounds), dizziness, vertigo and loss of balance.
How is an Acoustic Neuroma diagnosed?
Within the clinic, there are a series of tests that a vestibular physiotherapist will use to look for evidence of an acoustic neuroma. These include impairments in the way that the eyes move in response to head movements, as well as deficiencies in balance and hearing loss only on one side. If an acoustic neuroma is suspected the patient will be directed to have further testing, which includes a hearing test, a vestibular function test and an MRI.
How is an Acoustic Neuroma treated?
If the acoustic neuroma is growing very slowly and is unlikely to grow large enough to affect the brain, the patient will be monitored for any changes in their symptoms over time and will have repeat scans at specific intervals to keep close track of the tumour. During this time, if the patient is experiencing dizziness or impairments in balance, they will benefit from vestibular rehabilitation with a physiotherapist.
If the acoustic neuroma is growing more quickly and there is a risk of it exerting pressure on the brain, the patient will often require surgery or radiotherapy. After surgery or radiotherapy, vestibular rehabilitation with a physiotherapist is vital to restore balance and reduce symptoms of vertigo and dizziness.
Our vestibular physiotherapist Justin has undergone extensive further training for the rehabilitation of dizziness and balance conditions.
If you would like to ask Justin a question about acoustic neuroma or anything else, visit our Contact Us page to get in touch.
If you are ready to make an appointment, visit our make a booking page and let us help you with your recovery.
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