An acoustic neuroma is also known as a vestibular schwannoma or neurilemmoma.

 
Characteristics

• Grows on the sheath surrounding the eighth cranial nerve in the inner ear
• More common in women than men

 
Symptoms

• Hearing loss in one ear
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
• Tingling or numbness in the face
• Walking and balance problems
• Lack of coordination

 
Treatment

 
An acoustic neuroma may be observed in order to monitor its growth, or surgery may be performed. The goal of surgery is the complete removal of the tumor without harming the seventh cranial nerve (which controls facial movement) or causing hearing loss. Radiosurgery can be a viable option for many patients. This focused, high-energy radiation prevents the growth of acoustic neuromas, but actual shrinkage of the tumor may never occur or may take several months.