| What
is acoustic neurinoma?
Acoustic neurinoma is a non-cancerous tumor that may develop
from an overproduction of Schwann cells that press on
the hearing and balance nerves in the inner ear. Schwann
cells are cells that normally wrap around and support
nerve fibers. If the tumor becomes large, it can press
on the facial nerve or brain structure.
What are the symptoms of acoustic neurinoma?
The following are the most common symptoms for acoustic
neurinoma, however, individuals may experience symptoms
differently.
When a neurinoma develops, it may cause any/all of the
following:
• hearing loss
• tinnitus
• dizziness
• paralysis
of a facial nerve
• life-threatening
problems in the brain
The symptoms of acoustic neurinoma may resemble other
conditions or medical problems. Consult a physician for
a diagnosis.
What are the different types of acoustic neurinomas?
There are two types of acoustic neurinomas:
• Unilateral
acoustic neurinomas affect only one ear, and:
o
account for 8 percent of all tumors inside the skull.
o
may develop at any age, but most often occur between the
ages of 30
and 60.
o
may be the result of gene damage caused by environmental
factors.
• Bilateral
acoustic neurinomas affect both ears, and:
o
are hereditary, caused by a genetic disorder called neurofibromatosis-2
(NF2).
o
develop in the teens or early adulthood.
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