Also known as vestibular schwannoma and acoustic neuroma (see acoustic neuroma).
Characteristics
- Arises from cells that form a protective sheath around nerve fibers
- Typically grows around the eighth cranial nerve, but can be found around other cranial or spinal nerves
Symptoms
- Reduced hearing in the ear on the side of the tumor when eighth cranial nerve is involved Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
- Balance problems
- Deficits depend on the nerve that is affected
Treatment
Surgery and radiotherapy are the most common forms of treatment. If the tumor is not completely removed, recurrence is likely.
