Acoustic neuroma is a usually benign tumor that affects the balance and hearing nerves located between the inner ear and the brain. Also known as vestibular schwannoma, this tumor originates from Schwann cells and tends to grow slowly. This condition, which is quite significant, can impact a person’s social and psychological life. For detailed information about this disease, you can review our content titled “Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma) Facial Paralysis.” In this way, you can find detailed answers to your questions. Wishing you all healthy and good days.

What is acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma)?

Acoustic neuroma (acoustic neuromas) is a type of tumor that causes hearing loss, headaches, balance issues, and facial paralysis. This important condition can eventually lead to hearing loss, balance problems, and issues such as facial paralysis over time.

These tumors, referred to as vestibular schwannomas, are benign but significantly impact the brain’s hearing and balance centers. Especially due to their pressure on the nerves in the hearing and balance centers, various symptoms can occur. In this context, hearing loss caused by vestibular schwannoma treatments can be eliminated.

Types of Acoustic Neuromas (Vestibular Schwannomas)

Acoustic neuromas are classified into different types based on their growth rates, locations, and the structures they affect. These include genetic, bilateral acoustic neuromas, and sporadic, unilateral acoustic neuromas. To examine these neuroma types in detail:

• Genetic, bilateral acoustic neuromas:

Known as bilateral acoustic neuromas, this type has a broad impact area but is less commonly seen as bilateral acoustic neurofibromas. When examining the causes of acoustic neurofibromas, they are associated with Neurofibromatosis Type 2. Hearing loss, balance issues, or nerve damage in both ears is possible. Affecting both ears necessitates timely intervention. Because it affects both ears, the probability of compressing facial nerves and causing facial paralysis is high. Therefore, as the tumor size increases, it affects the nerves in the face more quickly.

• Sporadic, unilateral acoustic neuromas:

These are sporadic, unilateral acoustic neuromas with a narrower impact area. This type of neuroma is rarely seen and does not appear in clusters. Moreover, it is hereditary and affects only one ear. In cases of balance loss, hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness, and other issues in one ear, the presence of unilateral acoustic neuromas can be mentioned.

What is the Difference Between Unilateral and Bilateral Vestibular Schwannomas?

Facial paralysis, hearing loss, or balance loss symptoms vary based on the types of vestibular schwannoma. The biggest difference between unilateral vestibular schwannoma and bilateral vestibular schwannoma is their impact area.

Bilateral vestibular schwannoma is hereditary, whereas unilateral vestibular schwannoma is incidental or rare. In unilateral vestibular schwannoma, the tumor does not cluster as much within the ear, so the impact area is narrower. However, as the tumor grows, balance loss, tinnitus, facial paralysis, or hearing loss may occur. Its effect on one ear shortens the treatment process.

What Are The Symptoms of Acoustic Neuroma Facial Palsy?

The growth speed, size, and location of the tumor closely relate to the symptoms of the disease. Vestibular schwannoma symptoms sometimes do not show, while in some patients, multiple symptoms may appear. The symptoms of acoustic neuroma are as follows:

1. It can cause balance problems such as dizziness, instability, and a feeling of the ground moving.
2. Depending on the stage of the disease, facial muscle weakness or paralysis may occur. Since the tumor presses on the facial nerves, it affects the facial muscles and causes paralysis.
3. Ringing, buzzing sounds may be heard in the ear.
4. Hearing loss may occur in one or both ears.
5. As the tumor grows, it may press on the brain center, leading to headaches.
6. Speech difficulties or speech disorders may occur at advanced stages.
7. Vision problems may arise due to the tumor pressing on the brain’s vision center. Blurred and double vision are common symptoms.

Facial Paralysis Due to Acoustic Neuroma

Acoustic neuromas are tumors that directly affect facial nerves. These tumors are categorized as nerve tumors and brain tumors, and due to their size and the tissues they affect, they can cause balance loss, hearing loss, and facial paralysis. Particularly, their impact on facial or brain nerves leads to nerve damage. Additionally, the pressure on the facial nerves prevents these nerves from fully functioning. When facial muscles contract and relax, signals do not reach the region compressed by the tumor. When signals do not reach, facial muscles develop facial paralysis.

What Causes Acoustic Neuroma Facial Palsy?

Acoustic neuroma can cause facial paralysis based on its size and location. Even though it is a benign tumor, its growth or location can directly affect facial nerves, leading to facial paralysis. Affecting one or both ears does not decrease the likelihood of paralysis.

Since signals moving facial muscles are not fully sent to facial nerves from the brain, muscles in this area cannot fully work or move. This pressure on facial nerves causes facial paralysis, referred to as acoustic neuroma facial palsy. Taking precautions early to prevent the tumor from affecting the central nerves in the brain and facial nerves is crucial.

In addition to this, neurological diseases and metabolic disorders can also cause facial paralysis. Trauma, Bell’s palsy, Moebius syndrome, and brain infarctions are among the causes of facial paralysis. As a result, symptoms like facial asymmetry, muscle weakness in the face, inability to close the eyelids, and drooping of the mouth corner can occur.

Are Acoustic Neuromas Dangerous?

Acoustic neuromas can be dangerous depending on the stage of the disease and the tumor’s size. The location of the tumor in the ear or brain also determines the symptoms. After identifying which nerve cells and brain centers it affects or which tissue damage it causes, the severity of the danger can be measured. While it may lead to facial paralysis, failure to treat it in time can pose life-threatening risks.

How is an Acoustic Neuroma Diagnosed?

The doctor first listens to the patient’s history. A physical examination and medical history are used to analyze the case. During the physical exam, the doctor examines the ears and the nervous system directly. Symptoms related to acoustic neuroma facial paralysis and other symptoms are evaluated together. Existing diseases and medications are also taken into consideration. Since deciding on acoustic neuroma surgery is challenging, the following diagnostic methods are also used:

• Acoustic impedance measurements can determine whether the middle ear functions correctly.
• An otoscope can be used to view the eardrum.
• An X-ray can be used to image the temporal bone.
• Tympanometry can measure the movements of the eardrum.
• Magnetic resonance imaging can show the tumor’s size, location, and effects on surrounding tissues.
• CT scans can provide information about the hearing nerve.
• Vestibular tests can check inner ear balance and diagnose issues related to eye movements, dizziness, and balance problems.

How to Treat Acoustic Neuroma

The patient’s health condition also determines the treatment method. The tumor’s size and location, the patient’s age, and overall health should be considered for vestibular schwannoma treatments. Evaluating these factors together will reveal the most appropriate and effective treatment method.

1. Regular check-ups before the tumor grows is the best treatment. If the tumor is small or grows slowly, it can be detected and controlled early.
2. Surgical intervention may be chosen to remove the tumor and reduce nerve damage. A large or rapidly growing tumor is not a barrier to surgery; instead, it is one of the most effective methods.
3. The stereotactic radiosurgery method directly applies high-dose radiation to the tumor, slowing or stopping its growth.
4. Radiotherapy is used for patients with high surgical risk. For patients who cannot undergo surgery, radiotherapy can slow or stop tumor growth.

Acoustic Neuroma Facial Paralysis Surgery Cost

The cost of acoustic neuroma surgery varies depending on several factors. The hospital or clinic where the surgery is performed, the surgeon’s expertise, and the use of advanced equipment and techniques directly affect the cost. Additionally, the complexity of the surgery, the need for additional surgical interventions, and the patient’s specific condition play a significant role in determining the cost. For detailed information about acoustic neuroma costs, consult your doctor.

FAQ

How long should I plan on being off work after Acoustic Neuroma surgery?

Depending on the size of the surgery, the patient is discharged within 3 to 7 days. Stitches are removed within 7 to 10 days based on the surgery’s type and scope. To prevent infection and speed up recovery, it is better to return to work after 15 days. However, the final decision will be made by the doctor, depending on the patient’s condition.

Can an acoustic neuroma result in death?

Vestibular schwannomas are called benign tumors because they are not fatal if intervened in time. With timely measures, symptoms can be managed without severe effects. However, in some cases, symptoms like balance loss, hearing loss, and facial paralysis may occur due to tumor growth.

What causes acoustic neuromas to develop?

Although the exact cause is not known, some studies suggest genetic factors. Individuals with a family history of acoustic neuromas are more likely to develop this tumor. Another potential cause is a health condition called Neurofibromatosis Type 2, which increases the risk of developing acoustic neuromas.

How can acoustic neuromas be prevented?

Preventing conditions like acoustic neuroma, whose exact causes are not fully understood, may not always be possible. Concerns about preventing acoustic neuromas are natural, given the limited understanding of their causes. If the condition is genetic, regular check-ups and early detection can help manage the disease. From the moment it is detected, it can be controlled or prevented through vestibular schwannoma surgery as needed.