Acoustic Neuroma ( Vestibular Schwannoma )Acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor that grows in the internal auditory canal and affects the hearing, facial, and balance nerves.
Complications for Acoustic Neuroma
If left untreated, acoustic neuromas can continue to grow and cause multiple problems. As mentioned earlier, the internal auditory canal contains three different types of nerves: the cochlear (hearing), vestibular (balance), and facial nerve. As the tumor grows, it can cause more and more damage to these nerves. The consequences can include hearing loss, balance problems, and facial paralysis, to name a few. If the tumor grows large enough, it can invade the dura (covering of the brain) and enter into the brain. In rare circumstances, death can occur.
In This Section
Tools
About Dr. Prasad
Dr. Sanjay Prasad MD FACS is a board certified physician and surgeon with over thirty-two years of sub-specialty experience in Otology, Neurotology, advanced head and neck oncologic surgery, and cranial base surgery. He is chief surgeon and founder of the private practice, Metropolitan NeuroEar Group, located in the metropolitan Washington D.C. area.