Acoustic Neuroma Glossary
Acoustic neuroma
vestibular schwannoma
Auditory brainstem response
a special hearing test done while a patient is hearing clicks or certain tones.
Bilateral
on both sides
Central
near the brainstem
Cerebellum
portion of the brain found in the posterior fossa which regulates fine motor coordination
Cochlea
part of the inner ear involved in hearing
Conjunctiva
the white part of the eye
Craniotomy
temporary removal of a portion of the skull over the brain.
Dura
a tough fibrous layer found immediately under the skull that protects the brain.
Hydrocephalus
a buildup of spinal fluid that can lead to brain dysfunction and death
Internal auditory canal
a bony canal which contains the cochlear, vestibular, and facial nerves
Lacrimal glands
glands that produce tears in the eyes
Middle Fossa approach
a hearing preservation approach which allows visualization of the roof of the internal auditory canal for removal of small tumors. This approach involves a craniotomy above the ear.
Myelin
a substance which insulates nerves and allows for more efficient transmission of electrical signals
Obersteiner-Redlich zone
area where schwann cells meet oligodendroglia cells
Oligodendroglia cells
type of cell which coats the central segment of nerves
Ossicles
the three bones behind the eardrum, namely the malleus, incus and stapes
Peripheral
near the inner ear
Saccule
part of the inner ear responsible for gathering information relating to linear acceleration of the head
Schwann cells
type of cell which coats the peripheral segment of nerves and produces a substance called myelin
Semicircular canals
part of the inner ear involved in gathering information on head motion
Suboccipital approach
a hearing preservation approach which involves a craniotomy far behind the ear that allows visualization of the posterior portion of the internal auditory canal.
Tinnitus
ringing or noise in the ears
Translabyrinthine approach
an approach which involves an incision behind the ear and a craniectomy through the semicircular canals of the inner ear. This allows visualization of the posterior aspect of the internal auditory canal. Hearing is always lost.
Trigeminal nerve
the nerve which transmits information on facial sensation, not motion
Unilateral
on one side
Utricle
part of the inner ear responsible for gathering information relating to linear acceleration of the head
Vestibular
pertaining to the function of balance
Vestibular schwannoma
acoustic neuroma
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.