Acoustic neuroma

• Definition: A benign tumour arising from the Schwann cells, most commonly involving the vestibular portion of the vestibulocochlear nerve (cranial nerve VIII).
• It’s a non-cancerous, slow-growing tumour.

• Idiopathic in most cases.
• Association with neurofibromatosis type II (NF2) – an autosomal dominant genetic condition.

• Unilateral: Usually sporadic
• Bilateral: Often associated with NF2

• Growth of tumour can compress surrounding structures including cranial nerves and brainstem
• Can lead to hydrocephalus if cerebrospinal fluid flow is blocked

• Hearing loss
• Tinnitus
• Vertigo or imbalance

• Unilateral sensorineural hearing loss
• Ataxia
• Cranial nerve palsies (rare)

• Audiometry: Assessing the extent of hearing loss.
• Basic neurological examination

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): The gold standard for diagnosis, can show the size and location of the tumour.

• Monitoring (watchful waiting)
• Symptomatic treatment (e.g., for vertigo)

• Surgical resection
• Radiosurgery (e.g., Gamma Knife)

• Facial nerve damage leading to facial weakness or paralysis.
• Cerebrospinal fluid leakage.
• Hearing loss.
• Meningitis.