Acoustic neuroma
Alternative names:
Vestibular schwannoma; tumor - acoustic; cerebellopontine
angle tumor; angle tumor
Symptoms:
Symptoms vary with the size and location of the tumor. Because
the tumors grow so slowly, symptoms usually arise after the
age of 30.
Common symptoms:
- Tinnitus (ringing)
in the affected ear
- Hearing loss in
the affected ear
- difficulty understanding speech (out of proportion to
total hearing loss)
- Vertigo (an abnormal
sensation of movement)
Less common symptoms:
Signs and tests:
The health care provider may diagnose an acoustic neuroma
based on the history, neurological examination, and/or testing
of the patient. The results of physical
examination are often unremarkable, except for the following
signs:
If the tumor is large,
there may be signs of increased pressure on the brain (increased
intracranial pressure), including the following:
The most useful (i.e. sensitive and specific) test to identify
acoustic neuromas is an MRI
of the head. Other useful tests used to diagnose acoustic
neuroma and to differentiate it from other causes of dizziness
or vertigo include:
Update Date: 06/22/00
Christopher J. Winfree, M.D. Resident, Department of Neurological
Surgery, New York Presbyterian Hospital
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