What happens if acoustic neuroma is untreated?

Left untreated, an acoustic neuroma can block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and cause hydrocephalus, which can in turn lead to severe vision problems and difficulty breathing and swallowing. Fortunately, most patients seek treatment long before an acoustic neuroma reaches this stage.

When should an acoustic neuroma be removed?

You may be a candidate for suboccipital acoustic neuroma surgery if you have: A medium or large acoustic neuroma that is causing symptoms, especially balance problems caused by brainstem compression. Serviceable hearing in the affected ear. Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF-2)

Is an acoustic neuroma an emergency?

An acoustic neuroma is a growth (tumour) on the nerve to the inner ear. It does not turn into cancer. But it can cause hearing loss, ringing in the ear, and dizziness. A large acoustic neuroma can press on the brain and become life-threatening.

Should I worry about acoustic neuroma?

When to see your doctor See your doctor if you notice hearing loss in one ear, ringing in your ear or trouble with your balance. Early diagnosis of an acoustic neuroma may help keep the tumor from growing large enough to cause serious consequences, such as total hearing loss.

What is the prognosis for acoustic neuroma?

The outlook (prognosis) is generally very good. Acoustic neuromas usually respond well to treatment and complications are uncommon. However, there is often some hearing loss in the affected ear after treatment. Fewer than 5 in every 100 acoustic neuromas come back.

Is an acoustic neuroma a brain tumor?

An acoustic neuroma is a type of non-cancerous (benign) brain tumour. It’s also known as a vestibular schwannoma. A benign brain tumour is a growth in the brain that usually grows slowly over many years and does not spread to other parts of the body.

Is acoustic neuroma a brain tumor?

Can acoustic neuroma grow quickly?

Although most acoustic neuromas grow slowly, some grow quite quickly and can double in volume within 6 months to a year. Although some tumors adhere to one or another of these growth patterns, others appear to alternate between periods of no or slow growth and rapid growth.

Can acoustic neuroma be misdiagnosed?

Unfortunately, not all cases of acoustic neuromas are properly diagnosed or promptly treated. In fact, some factors that can lead to misdiagnoses of this condition include when medical professionals: Fail to recognize the clear signs of acoustic neuromas and mistake these symptoms for other conditions.

What mimics acoustic neuroma?

Meningioma is a rare and typically benign (non-cancerous) tumor that can mimic an acoustic neuroma.

What does an acoustic neuroma headache feel like?

The headache that results from the acoustic neuroma can be dull or aching in quality and is usually unilateral. The headache may “radiate” to the neck, top of the head or front of the head.