Acoustic neuroma
Alternate Names : Vestibular schwannoma, Tumor - acoustic, Cerebellopontine angle tumor, Angle tumor
Symptoms & Signs
The symptoms vary based on the size and location of the tumor. Because the tumor grows so slowly, symptoms usually start after the age of 30. Common symptoms include: - Abnormal sensation of movement (vertigo)
- Hearing loss in the affected ear that makes it hard to hear conversations
- Ringing (tinnitus) in the affected ear
Less common symptoms include: - Difficulty understanding speech
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Upon waking up in the morning
- Wakes you from sleep
- Worse when lying down
- Worse when standing up
- Worse when coughing, sneezing, straining, or lifting (Valsalva maneuver)
- With nausea or vomiting
- Loss of balance
- Numbness in the face or one ear
- Pain in the face or one ear
- Sleepiness
- Vision problems
- Weakness of the face
Diagnosis & Tests
The health care provider may diagnose an acoustic neuroma based on your medical history, an examination of your nervous system, or tests. Often, the physical exam is normal at the time the tumor is diagnosed. Occasionally, the following signs may be present: The most useful test to identify an acoustic neuroma is an MRI of the head. Other useful tests used to diagnose the tumor and to tell it apart from other causes of dizziness or vertigo include:
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