Acoustic Neuroma Flashcards
What is another name for acoustic neuroma?
Vestibular Schwannoma
What is an acoustic neuroma?
a benign intracranial tumor that grows on the vestibulocohlear nerve.
What is the origin of an acoustic neuroma?
Originates from a Schwann cells which are cells responsible to look after myelin sheath
What are the signs of symptoms?
- Hearing loss - unilateral
- hearing loss worsens over time
- Tinnitus - unilateral
- Loss of balance
- Fullness in ear
- Headache
Is there a possibility of facial tingleness and numbness?
Yes because it can compress on the trigeminal nerve
What is is a genetic cause of acoustic neuroma?
Neurofibromatosis type 2
which two nerves can a acoustic neuroma compress>
Trigeminal and facial
What are complications of an acoustic neuroma?
- Hydrocephalus - block CSF flow
- Impinge nerves
- Mass effect
What is used to diagnose an acoustic neuroma?
MRI
What are other investigations?
- Pure tone audiometry
- Auditory brainstem response
What does an auditory brainstem response test do?
Looks at the electrical impulse of the vestibulo chochlear nerve. An acoustic neuroma will interfere with the pathway - an MRI would be needed to confirm diagnosis
What is the treatment of acoustic neuroma?
- Observation
- Microsurgical removal
- Radiation
What are the complications to surgery?
- tinnitus
- hearing loss
- tumor regrowth
- Facial nerve damage
- Taste and mouth dryness
- loss of balance
- Paralysis and death
What is the parthenogenesis?
starts at the internal auditory canal and expands to the CPA
What is the most common intracranial tumor and cerebropontine angle tumour?
Acoustic neuroma
