Acoustic neuroma
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Acoustic neuroma
An acoustic neuroma is a noncancerous growth or tumor on the auditory nerve near the inner ear. The auditory nerve carries sound impulses from the ear to the brain.
The tumor grows slowly and can cause hearing loss in the affected ear. Although the growth itself is not harmful, it can press on brain tissues as it grows.
Symptoms of acoustic neuroma may include:
- Hearing loss (usually in just one ear).
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
- Headache.
- Numbness or weakness of one side of the face.
- Difficulty standing or walking because of unsteadiness or vertigo.
Acoustic neuroma is not common; it most often occurs in people ages 30 to 50. The cause is unknown. Acoustic neuromas are removed with surgery to prevent damage to other brain tissues.
Credits
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 25, 2007 |
| Last updated: | May 25, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman |
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