Acoustic Neuroma
An acoustic neuroma is a non-cancerous, benign ear tumor that is called vestibular schwannoma. It affects the hearing and sensing balance. In addition, the tumor affects the nerve that sends signals from the inner ear to the brain. This develops on the eighth cranial nerve. As a result, due to affecting the nerve, the brain does not receive signals to react and cannot hear and maintain the balance in between. Acoustic neuromas don't spread like cancerous tumors, however, when they grow, they affect hearing, causing some kind of sound like tinnitus. Moreover, it can lead to facial numbness and facial weakness. The treatment for this tumor is surgery, radiation therapy, and in uncommon cases, chemotherapy is also recommended for the tumor.
Symptoms of an acoustic neuroma
Some of the common symptoms of acoustic neuroma include:
- Hearing loss in one ear
- Tinnitus (ringing sound in the ears)
- Vertigo
More symptoms of acoustic neuroma in India
Acoustic neuroma grows gradually, but once they grow they may show these symptoms such as:
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Facial numbness
- Facial weakness
- Changes in the senses of taste
- Dysphagia ( problem in swallowing)
- Blurred vision or double vision
Cause of an acoustic neuroma
Schwann cells protect and help the balance and hearing nerves in the peripheral nervous system. These tumors form when schwann cells increase steadily or multiply. The exact cause of its multiplication is unidentified. This can only be discovered when neurofibromatosis type 2 may develop bilateral acoustic neuromas. This is a type of tumor that forms on the auditory nerves on the right and left side of the brain.
Recommended Diagnostic Tests for Acoustic Neuroma
After diagnosing the symptoms and physical exam, the doctor will recommend tests such as:
- Hearing tests like auditory brainstem response
- Balance test
- Imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scan
- Electronystagmography
Treatment options for an acoustic neuroma
Treatment may vary depending upon the various factors such as:
- Size of the tumor
- Location of the tumor
- Impact of the tumor on hearing and balance
- Age and overall health condition
Treatment options available for an acoustic neuroma include:
- Microsurgery Neurosurgeons use a specialized tool for the surgery and perform it in very small areas. This is the only treatment that can completely remove an acoustic neuroma. Stereotactic radiosurgery: This treatment or therapy is performed with beams of radiation that point out the tumors, that also limit the effect on surrounding healthy tissues.
- Observation: In case the symptoms of the tumor are not growing the doctor may recommend observation to keep regular through MRI. Chemotherapy: This therapy is performed in rare cases, doctors may use chemotherapy drugs. The drug may help to reduce the tumors, that helps to increase the time span that children with acoustic neuroma are able to hear. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy: This therapy involves removing parts of nerves that control balance. This therapy leads to recouping from losing those nerves and functions.
Cost of acoustic neuroma in India
The cost of acoustic neuroma in India is affordable and cheaper than in other nations. Indeed, India provides cost-effective medical care to all patients coming from other countries, without compromising the quality of treatment.
However, the total cost of the treatment may vary depending on various factors, such as the choice of hospital, the length of stay at the hospital, the expertise of the surgeon, the type of surgery, the components used in the surgery, and more.
Summary
An acoustic neuroma is a non-cancerous, benign ear tumor that is called vestibular schwannoma.
Acoustic neuromas don't spread like cancerous tumors, however, when they grow, they affect hearing, causing some kind of sound like tinnitus.
India is a hub of medical treatment, providing all kinds of treatment with excellent quality of care and services. Not only for domestic patients, India is among leading nations to provide best care and services.
