Acoustic neuromas are nerve-sheath, benign tumours which occur on the vestibulocochlear nerve in the internal auditory canal or cerebellopontine angle. They are not a common cause of dizziness.

Signs and Symptoms

- Unilateral hearing loss (usually gradual onset)
- Tinnitus
- Imbalance
- Vertigo
- Dizziness
- Hyperventilation induced nystagmus
- Facial sensory disturbances

Cause

There are two types of acoustic neuromas with the most common being sporadic and of unknown cause. The second type of acoustic neuroma can occur with neurofibromatosis, an inherited disorder that is associated with the growth of benign tumours in the nervous system.

Diagnosis

Balance assessment, hearing tests (audiometry) and MRI scanning of the head with gadolinium contrast are used in the diagnosis of Acoustic neuromas.

Treatment

Often surgery is undertaken to remove the acoustic neuroma, in other cases monitoring the neuroma andnbsp;with 6-12 month reviews is recommended. Vestibular Rehabilitation is often helpful in improving balance and gaze stability post surgery.