Acoustic Neuroma
Acoustic Neuroma Treatment
Care for Your Whole Health
If you or a loved one has an acoustic neuroma, you want a skilled and compassionate team at your side. You can take comfort knowing that’s exactly what you’ll get at the AdventHealth Neuroscience Institute.
Our neurologists, neurosurgeons and other neurology specialists work together to ensure an accurate diagnosis and create a treatment plan that’s just right for you. Since navigating a brain tumor diagnosis can be confusing, our team is committed to staying by your side from the day you call our office until you’re feeling like yourself again.
Understanding Your Acoustic Neuroma Diagnosis
Take Charge of Your Health
The phrase brain tumor can quickly throw even the calmest people and family. We understand that receiving such a diagnosis can be overwhelming and hard to grasp. We’re committed to helping you understand your brain tumor and what you can expect during your journey.
What Is an Acoustic Neuroma?
Acoustic neuromas are rare tumors, affecting only one in every 100,000 Americans. These slow-growing, non-cancerous tumors begin on the vestibulocochlear nerve. This nerve has two parts: The acoustic nerve (or cochlear nerve), which helps you hear, and the vestibular nerve, which helps you balance. They grow very slowly and don’t spread, only becoming dangerous if they grow large enough to press on the brainstem or brain.
What Are the Symptoms of an Acoustic Neuroma?
Acoustic neuroma symptoms may begin gradually but often increase in severity as the tumor grows.
Common symptoms include:
- Balance problems
- Clumsiness
- Facial numbness or tingling
- Feelings of fullness in the affected ear
- Gradual hearing loss
- Headaches
- Mental confusion
- Unsteadiness
- Vertigo
How Is an Acoustic Neuroma Diagnosed?
Advancements in imaging and screening tests are making acoustic neuroma diagnosis easier than ever before. If your doctor suspects this rare tumor type, specific diagnostic tests may be ordered.
Audiograms and Computed Tomography (CT) Scans
A computed tomography (CT) scan, paired with your hearing test, can reliably identify the presence of an acoustic neuroma if magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is not available.
Magnetic Resonance Imagining (MRI) Scans
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test can identify the location and size of a tumor in the inner ear.
Routine Auditory Tests
A simple hearing test can determine if you’ve experienced any hearing loss. If the test indicates a loss, your doctor will order additional tests to determine the cause.
How Is an Acoustic Neuroma Treated?
Your doctor will discuss the best options for your acoustic neuroma treatment, which can vary based on the size and location of the tumor, and your overall health.
Your doctor will discuss which treatment is best for you, and your acoustic neuroma treatment may include:
- Gamma Knife ® Radiosurgery
- Monitoring over time
- Surgery
Specialized Acoustic Neuroma Care for Every Diagnosis
When you’re facing a brain tumor diagnosis, you want a team you can trust by your side. That’s what you’ll find at AdventHealth Neuroscience Institute. Our entire team is dedicated to healing your body, mind and spirit.
Acoustic Neuroma Downloadable Guide
Acoustic Neuroma Support Group
If you have been diagnosed with acoustic neuroma and have questions, wish to explore treatment options and coping strategies with other patients and clinical experts, please join us for upcoming acoustic neuroma support group meetings provided several times a year free of charge. Pre- and post-treatment acoustic neuroma patients, family members, caregivers, friends and interested persons are encouraged to attend. For more information, contact the Acoustic Neuroma Association (ANA) at 770-205-8211 or email volunteers@ANAUSA.org or visit www.ANAUSA.org.