Neurosurgery Dr. Stoforou – Δρ. Κωνσταντία Στοφόρου – Νευροχειρουργός MD – PhD

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ACOUSTIC NEUROMA VESTIBULAR SCHWANNOMA BRAIN TUMOR

Acoustic neuroma vestibular schwannoma brain tumor

Acoustic neuroma vestibular schwannoma brain tumor is a tumor that grows in the area that is behind the ear and it is derived from the vestibular nerve, which along with the cochlea nerve form the acoustic nerve. Usually, the term “vestibular schwannoma” is used to describe acoustic neuroma vestibular schwannoma brain tumor.

 

Acoustic neuroma vestibular schwannoma brain tumor is usually benign, but it causes serious complications (eg cerebral palsy) due to the exercise of pressure requiring early diagnosis and immediate treatment.

Acoustic neuroma vestibular schwannoma brain tumor - Symptoms

The symptoms of acoustic neuroma vestibular schwannoma brain tumor are proportional to the stage of tumor progression and include:

  • tinnitus in one ear (initial stage).
  • hearing loss and eventually deafness of the patient.
  • loss of balance.
  • dizziness and nausea.
  • numbness and / or paralysis in the face.
  • Headache and vomiting (at an advanced stage).

The onset of symptoms is usually gradual and proportional to the rate of tumor growth. The adopted treatment method for acoustic neuroma vestibular schwannoma brain tumor usually depends on the tumor size and the diagnosis stage, the patient’s medical history, the patient’s level of hearing impairment, and so on.

Acoustic neuroma vestibular schwannoma brain tumor - Treatment

Available therapies for the acoustic neuroma vestibular schwannoma brain tumor include:

  • monitoring by a neurosurgeon by performing MRI and audiogram at regular intervals to monitor tumor progression – is recommended in cases of small size tumors or in elderly patients.
  • surgical removal that usually ensures complete healing of the patient.
  • radiosurgery – consists of patients with a severe medical history, e.g. elderly patients with a small tumor volume (<3cm) and ensures tumor growth deceleration or inhibiting tumor size growth.