Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is an Acoustic Neuroma?

Niki Foster
Niki Foster
Niki Foster
Niki Foster

An acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor of the nerve leading from the ear to the brain. Though the tumor is not cancerous, and will not spread to other structures, it can cause serious symptoms, and can grow large enough to impinge on important structures in the brain. Acoustic neuromas are usually located near the base of the brain, and are one of the most common brain tumors, though they are rare in general.

The cause of acoustic neuroma is unknown, though the tumor is often linked to the genetic disorder neurofibromatosis type 2. It is believed that all cases of acoustic neuroma have a genetic basis. The tumor is very slow-growing, and consequently symptoms do not usually appear before the patient's 30s.

An MRI may be used to diagnose acoustic neuroma.
An MRI may be used to diagnose acoustic neuroma.

Acoustic neuroma symptoms vary, but they commonly include hearing loss; tinnitus, a ringing sensation in the ear; and vertigo, the sensation of movement when the body is still. Other symptoms may include dizziness and loss of balance beyond vertigo, numbness or pain in the face or in one ear, weakness of the facial muscles, problems understanding speech, temporary problems with vision, fatigue, and headache. Headache as a symptom of acoustic neuroma often occurs early in the morning, and may wake the patient up. It may also be accompanied by nausea or vomiting and is often worse when the patient is in certain positions, such as sitting up or lying down. Sneezing, coughing, or otherwise straining may also worsen the headache.

An acoustic neuroma is a tumor that occurs in the inner ear.
An acoustic neuroma is a tumor that occurs in the inner ear.

Acoustic neuroma is diagnosed by physical tests including tests for hearing, vertigo, and balance. The most useful test is often a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan of the head. If the tumor is small and not accompanied by serious symptoms, the patient may simply be kept under observation. As the tumor is slow-growing, it may never present a problem during the patient's lifetime.

Acoustic neuroma can cause headaches.
Acoustic neuroma can cause headaches.

If an acoustic neuroma grows large enough to negatively affect the patient's quality of life, or to endanger structures in the skull, surgery is typically used to remove the tumor. In some cases, brain surgery may be required to save the patient's life if the tumor is pressing on important brain structures. Acoustic neuromas can be treated by traditional surgery or radiosurgery. Radiosurgery can only be used on relatively small tumors, and is aimed at terminating growth of the tumor rather than removing it. The patient may suffer permanent hearing or nerve damage after either type of surgery, so they are only used as a last resort.

Niki Foster
Niki Foster

In addition to her role as a WiseGEEK editor, Niki enjoys educating herself about interesting and unusual topics in order to get ideas for her own articles. She is a graduate of UCLA, where she majored in Linguistics and Anthropology.

Learn more...
Niki Foster
Niki Foster

In addition to her role as a WiseGEEK editor, Niki enjoys educating herself about interesting and unusual topics in order to get ideas for her own articles. She is a graduate of UCLA, where she majored in Linguistics and Anthropology.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

arymal09

I'm in the process of identifying the reason for a pain that originates behind the ear and leads to a severe headache at times accompanied by nausea. I remember having it since I was in school but feel it has intensified.

This is a request to anon 50815to let me know the name of the book you referred to.

anon50815

I had acoustic neuroma surgery 21 years ago following the birth of our fourth daughter. I have recovered very well (with the exception of losing most of the hearing in one ear, having frequent headaches and occasionally having trouble with balance.) My roommate in the hospital did not fare as well. Her tumor turned out to be cancerous and she passed away less than two months following surgery. Although this tumor is not believed to be genetic I am not convinced. My cousin's daughter had the same surgery about 10 years after I did. I have written a book that describes some of my experiences.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • An MRI may be used to diagnose acoustic neuroma.
      By: Mikhail Kondrashov
      An MRI may be used to diagnose acoustic neuroma.
    • An acoustic neuroma is a tumor that occurs in the inner ear.
      By: Von Schonertagen
      An acoustic neuroma is a tumor that occurs in the inner ear.
    • Acoustic neuroma can cause headaches.
      By: vladimirfloyd
      Acoustic neuroma can cause headaches.
    • Acoustic neuromas are one of the most common brain tumors.
      By: Mikhail Basov
      Acoustic neuromas are one of the most common brain tumors.
    • Lying down may cause the symptoms of acoustic neuroma to worsen.
      By: antiksu
      Lying down may cause the symptoms of acoustic neuroma to worsen.