Acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma)

About an acoustic neuroma

An acoustic neuroma is a type of non-cancerous (benign) tumour that grows on a nerve close to the brain.

A benign tumour is a growth that usually grows slowly over many years and doesn't spread to other parts of the body.

Acoustic neuromas grow on the nerve used for hearing and balance, causing problems such as hearing loss and unsteadiness.

They can be serious if they become very large, but most are picked up and treated before they reach this stage.

Acoustic neuromas have no obvious cause, although some cases are the result of a genetic condition called neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2).

Symptoms of an acoustic neuroma

An acoustic neuroma may not cause any obvious symptoms at first.

Any symptoms tend to develop gradually and often include:

• hearing loss that usually only affects one ear
• tinnitus (hearing sounds that come from inside the body)
• vertigo (the sensation that you're moving or spinning)

A large acoustic neuroma can also sometimes cause:

• persistent headaches
• temporary blurred or double vision
• numbness, pain or weakness on one side of the face
• problems with limb co-ordination (ataxia) on one side of the body
• a hoarse voice or difficulty swallowing

When to see your GP

See your GP if you have persistent or troublesome symptoms that you're worried could be caused by an acoustic neuroma.

Acoustic neuromas can be difficult to diagnose, because the symptoms can be caused by other conditions, such as Ménière's disease.

If your GP thinks you could have an acoustic neuroma, you'll be referred to a hospital or clinic for further tests, such as:

• hearing tests(external link opens in a new window / tab) to check for hearing problems and decide whether they're caused by a problem with your nerves
• an MRI scan(external link opens in a new window / tab), which uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce a detailed picture of the inside of your head
• a CT scan(external link opens in a new window / tab), which uses a series of X-rays to create a detailed image of the inside of your head

Treatments for acoustic neuromas

There are several different treatment options for an acoustic neuroma, depending on:

• the size and position of your tumour
• how fast it's growing
• your general health

The main options are:

• monitoring the tumour with regular MRI scans
• brain surgery
• stereotactic radiosurgery(external link opens in a new window / tab) 

Speak to your specialist about the best option for you, and what the benefits and risks of each option are.

Outlook for acoustic neuromas

Large acoustic neuromas can be serious, because they can sometimes cause a life-threatening build-up of fluid in the brain (hydrocephalus).

It's rare for them to reach this stage. Many grow very slowly, or not at all. Those that grow more quickly can be treated before they become too big.

Even with treatment, symptoms such as hearing loss and tinnitus can persist and affect your ability to work, communicate and drive. These problems may need additional treatment.

An acoustic neuroma can occasionally return after treatment. 

You will probably continue having regular MRI scans after any treatment, to check if the tumour is growing again or coming back.

More useful links

• How to use your health services