{"id":1119,"date":"2021-10-28T13:20:01","date_gmt":"2021-10-28T18:20:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nsavl.fm1.dev\/?p=1119"},"modified":"2021-10-28T13:20:02","modified_gmt":"2021-10-28T18:20:02","slug":"acoustic-neuromas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nsavl.com\/acoustic-neuromas\/","title":{"rendered":"Acoustic Neuromas"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [{\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What is an Acoustic Neuroma?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"An acoustic neuroma (also known as vestibular schwannoma, acoustic neurilemoma, or acoustic neurinoma) is a benign tumor of the cranial nerve that connects the inner ear and the brain. These growths are made up of Schwann cells which are responsible for producing the myelin sheath, a protective layer that insulates nerve fibers. An acoustic neuroma can result when Schwann cells overproduce, which may happen due to environmental factors like radiation or continual exposure to loud noises. Though noncancerous and typically slow growing, it can affect both hearing and balance, and may cause hearing loss, tinnitus and dizziness. In rare cases, tumors may become large enough to press against the brain, interfering with vital processes and even leading to death.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What are the types of acoustic neuroma?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Unilateral acoustic neuroma. This type is the most common and affects just one ear and most commonly develops in people who are 30 to 60 years of age. Unilateral acoustic neuromas are the result of environmental factors and although a direct cause is often unclear, past radiation to exposure to the head is a known risk factor. Bilateral acoustic neuroma.  A small percentage of acoustic neuromas are the result of an inherited disorder called neurofibromatosis type II (NF2), associated with a malfunctioning gene on chromosome 22. This genetic disorder often causes benign tumors to develop on the balance nerves on both sides of the head.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What Causes Acoustic Neuromas?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"More often than not, acoustic neuromas are classified as sporadic, meaning their exact cause is unknown. There is some evidence of a connection between exposure to low-dose radiation of the head and neck during childhood and the development of acoustic neuromas. There are no known risk factors for acoustic neuromas other than having a parent with NF2. If this is the case, children have a 50 percent chance of inheriting the condition themselves.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What Are the Symptoms of Acoustic Neuromas?   \",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Acoustic neuromas, sometimes called vestibular schwannomas, usually grow very slowly (or not at all). Because of this, symptoms early on are often difficult to spot. You may notice gradual hearing loss that is sometimes accompanied by tinnitus. If the tumor continues to grow, additional symptoms are likely to develop. These include: Dizziness and vertigo, facial numbness and weakness, a tingling sensation in the face, changes in taste, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, headaches and confusion.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What is the risk of an untreated acoustic neuroma?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\":\"When these tumors go untreated they can grow. If there is no more room to grow in the ear canal, the tumor may enter into the skull cavity and put pressure on the brainstem. This can cause neurological disorders and may be fatal.\"\n}\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"How Are Acoustic Neuromas Diagnosed?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Your otolaryngologist can diagnose an acoustic neuroma primarily through a review of your symptoms in conjunction with a hearing test and imaging scans (CT or MRI). Because growth of the tumor is usually very slow, many times your doctor will simply want to monitor the tumor\u2019s progress over time, especially when few symptoms are present. Regular imaging tests every six to 12 months can track any growth.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What is the most common treatment option?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\":\"Surgery may be an option for tumors that are growing or causing symptoms. Gamma Knife radiosurgery delivers radiation without the need for an incision, but results can take a long time. More invasive surgery may be required, especially if your tumor is growing close to the brain or facial nerve.\"\n}\n    }]\n  }\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<h2>What Is an Acoustic Neuroma?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An acoustic neuroma is a benign growth of the auditory nerve. Although it is slow-growing and non-malignant, it can be problematic because it can potentially impact hearing, balance, tinnitus, and\/or facial function. These growths are rare, occurring in only 1 out of 100,000 people per year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An acoustic neuroma (also known as vestibular schwannoma, acoustic neurilemoma, or acoustic neurinoma) is a benign tumor of the vestibular nerve, which connects the inner ear and the brain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Types of Acoustic Neuroma<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Unilateral acoustic neuroma<\/strong>. This type is the most common and affects just one ear and most commonly develops in people who are 30 to 60 years of age. Unilateral acoustic neuromas result from environmental factors, and although a direct cause is often unclear, past radiation to exposure to the head is a known risk factor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bilateral acoustic neuroma.&nbsp;<\/strong>A small percentage of acoustic neuromas result from an inherited disorder called&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ctf.org\/understanding-nf\/nf2\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.ctf.org\/understanding-nf\/nf2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">neurofibromatosis type II (NF2)<\/a>, associated with a malfunctioning gene on chromosome 22. This genetic disorder often causes benign tumors to develop on the balance nerves on both sides of the head.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>What Causes Acoustic Neuromas?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/nsavl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/ThinkstockPhotos-155783984-1280x853.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-586\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nsavl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/ThinkstockPhotos-155783984-1280x853.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/nsavl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/ThinkstockPhotos-155783984-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/nsavl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/ThinkstockPhotos-155783984-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/nsavl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/ThinkstockPhotos-155783984.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The cause of acoustic neuromas is not easily known, but it can be associated with NF2 (Neurofibromatosis Type 2), an inherited genetic disorder. Acoustic neuromas are diagnosed with audiologic testing and\/or an MRI with contrast. Treatment options include: observation, radiation and surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>More often than not, acoustic neuromas are classified as sporadic, meaning their exact cause is unknown. There is some evidence of a connection between exposure to low-dose radiation of the head and neck during childhood and acoustic neuromas development.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are no known risk factors for acoustic neuromas other than having a parent with NF2. If this&nbsp;is the case, children have a 50 percent&nbsp;chance of inheriting the condition themselves.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>What Are the Symptoms of Acoustic Neuromas?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Because acoustic neuromas usually grow slowly, early symptoms may be difficult to spot.&nbsp;You&nbsp;may notice a gradual hearing loss and may have tinnitus.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the tumor continues to grow, additional symptoms are likely to develop. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"list-col-2\"><li>Dizziness and vertigo<\/li><li>Facial numbness and weakness<\/li><li>A tingling sensation in the face<\/li><li>Changes in taste<\/li><li>Hoarseness<\/li><li>Difficulty swallowing<\/li><li>Headaches and confusion<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent more serious symptoms.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>What Is the Risk of an Untreated Acoustic Neuroma?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When these tumors go untreated, they can grow. If there is no more room to grow in the ear canal, the tumor may enter into the skull cavity and put pressure on the brainstem. This can cause neurological disorders and may be fatal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>How Are Acoustic Neuromas Diagnosed?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your otolaryngologist will typically diagnose an acoustic neuroma by reviewing your symptoms in conjunction with a hearing test and imaging scans (CT or MRI). Because tumor growth is usually slow, your doctor may simply monitor the tumor\u2019s progress over time, especially when few symptoms are present. Regular imaging tests every six to 12 months can track any growth.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>What Is the Most Common Treatment Option?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Surgery may be an option for tumors that are growing or causing symptoms. Gamma Knife radiosurgery delivers radiation without the need for an incision, but results can take a long&nbsp;time.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"site-content-cta\">\n\t<svg class=\"site-cta\" width=\"32\" height=\"28\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 28\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<path d=\"M11.5928 6.28577L20.4068 6.28577L25.1426 14.1529L20.4068 22.02H11.5928L6.85693 14.1529L11.5928 6.28577Z\" fill=\"#0A807C\"\/>\n<path d=\"M5.96069 3.92207C6.19818 4.06298 6.50493 3.98469 6.64583 3.7472L8.57249 0.5L12.1439 0.5C12.42 0.5 12.6439 0.276142 12.6439 0L19.3561 0C19.3561 0.276142 19.58 0.5 19.8561 0.5L23.4275 0.5L25.3542 3.7472C25.4951 3.98469 25.8018 4.06298 26.0393 3.92207L29.6729 10.0462C29.4354 10.1871 29.3571 10.4938 29.498 10.7313L31.4186 13.9683L29.498 17.2052C29.3571 17.4427 29.4354 17.7494 29.6729 17.8903L26.0393 24.0144C25.8018 23.8735 25.4951 23.9518 25.3542 24.1893L23.4275 27.4365H19.8561C19.58 27.4365 19.3561 27.6604 19.3561 27.9365H12.6439C12.6439 27.6604 12.42 27.4365 12.1439 27.4365H8.57249L6.64583 24.1893C6.50493 23.9518 6.19818 23.8735 5.96069 24.0144L2.32708 17.8903C2.56456 17.7494 2.64286 17.4427 2.50195 17.2052L0.581386 13.9683L2.50195 10.7313C2.64286 10.4938 2.56456 10.1871 2.32708 10.0462L5.96069 3.92207Z\" stroke=\"#10CFC9\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-dasharray=\"12 12\"\/>\n<\/svg><\/p>\n<p>\tCall North Shore Audio-Vestibular Lab at <a href=\"tel:+18474325555\" class=\"phone \"> <span class=\"phNum\">(847) 432-5555<\/span><\/a> for more information or to schedule an appointment.\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What Is an Acoustic Neuroma? An acoustic neuroma is a benign growth of the auditory nerve. Although it is slow-growing and non-malignant, it can be problematic because it can potentially impact hearing, balance, tinnitus, and\/or facial function. These growths are rare, occurring in only 1 out of 100,000 people per year. An acoustic neuroma (also&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":586,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","schema":"","fname":"","lname":"","position":"","credentials":"","placeID":"","no_match":false,"name":"","company":"","review":"","address":"","city":"","state":"","zip":"","lat":"","lng":"","phone1":"","phone2":"","fax":"","mon1":"","mon2":"","tue1":"","tue2":"","wed1":"","wed2":"","thu1":"","thu2":"","fri1":"","fri2":"","sat1":"","sat2":"","sun1":"","sun2":"","hours-note":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nsavl.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1119"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nsavl.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nsavl.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nsavl.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nsavl.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1119"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/nsavl.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1119\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nsavl.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/586"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nsavl.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1119"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nsavl.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1119"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nsavl.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1119"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}