vestibular schwannoma

Question 1

what is another name for vestibular schwannoma?

Answer 1

-acoustic neuroma

Question 2

what is a vestibular schwannoma?

Answer 2

• benign tumour of the Schwann cells surrounding the auditory nerve (vestibulocochlear nerve) that innervates the ear
• benign tumour arising in internal auditory meatus/ internal acoustic meatus

Question 3

where are Schwann cells found?

Answer 3

-in the peripheral nervous system

Question 4

role of Schwann cells?

Answer 4

-provide the myelin sheath around neurones in the peripheral nervous system

Question 5

are vestibular schwannomas usually bilateral or unilateral?

Answer 5

-unilateral

Question 6

what are bilateral vestibular schwannomas associated with?

Answer 6

-neurofibromatosis type II

Question 7

how may vestibular schwannoma present?

Answer 7

-usually only one side is affected (bilateral vestibular schwannoma is associated with neurofibromatosis type II)

• feeling of fullness in the ear
• tinnitus
• imbalance/dizziness
• sensorineural hearing loss

Question 8

why are vestibular schwannomas unlikely to cause vertigo?

Answer 8

-as they are very slow growing

Question 9

what are the investigations for vestibular schwannoma?

Answer 9

• audiometry (sensorineural hearing loss pattern)

- MRI to detect tumour

Question 10

what is the treatment for vestibular schwannoma?

Answer 10

Conservative:
-monitor if there are no symptoms or if the treatment is contraindicated

Surgery:
-remove tumour

Radiotherapy:
-to reduce the growth

Question 11

what are some complications of surgery removing a vestibular schwannoma?

Answer 11

-may injure either the vestibulocochlear nerve or facial nerve causing hearing loss or facial palsy