Acoustic neuroma and vertigo

September 25, 2024


 The Vertigo And Dizziness Program™ By Christian Goodman Vertigo and Dizziness Program is a designed to help stop vertigo and dizziness once and for all. Medical practitioner don’t know the exact cure for this condition but this program will show you exactly what you need to make this painful condition a thing of the past. This program has recommended a set of simple head exercises that help cure this condition.


Acoustic neuroma and vertigo

An acoustic neuroma (also called vestibular schwannoma) is a noncancerous tumor that develops on the vestibulocochlear nerve, which connects the inner ear to the brain and is responsible for hearing and balance. As the tumor grows, it can compress the nerve, leading to balance issues and hearing problems, including vertigo.

How Acoustic Neuroma Causes Vertigo:

The vestibulocochlear nerve is made up of two parts: the vestibular nerve (which controls balance) and the cochlear nerve (which manages hearing). An acoustic neuroma typically affects both, leading to:

  • Vertigo: Dizziness and spinning sensations can occur due to interference with the vestibular nerve. The tumor disrupts the transmission of balance information from the inner ear to the brain.
  • Imbalance: Over time, patients may experience difficulty with balance, particularly when walking in the dark or on uneven surfaces.

Key Symptoms of Acoustic Neuroma:

  • Hearing Loss: Gradual, one-sided hearing loss is one of the most common early symptoms. It may start subtly and worsen over time.
  • Tinnitus: A ringing or buzzing in the ear on the affected side.
  • Vertigo or Dizziness: Some individuals experience vertigo, though dizziness may become less frequent as the brain adapts to the tumor’s effects.
  • Facial Numbness or Weakness: As the tumor grows larger, it can press on nearby facial nerves, causing numbness or, in rare cases, facial muscle weakness.
  • Headaches: Large tumors can cause headaches, usually due to increased pressure in the brain.

Diagnosis:

  • Hearing Tests: Audiometry can assess hearing loss in the affected ear.
  • Imaging: MRI scans are the most effective method for diagnosing acoustic neuroma, allowing doctors to visualize the tumor’s size and location.
  • Balance Tests: Vestibular tests may be performed to evaluate the degree of balance dysfunction.

Treatment Options:

  1. Monitoring: Small tumors that are not causing significant symptoms may simply be monitored with regular MRI scans.
  2. Surgery: If the tumor is large or growing, surgery may be required to remove it. This can improve symptoms, but there is a risk of further hearing loss or balance issues depending on the tumor’s location.
  3. Radiation Therapy: Stereotactic radiosurgery (such as Gamma Knife) can be used to shrink the tumor or stop its growth, without the need for invasive surgery.
  4. Rehabilitation: Vestibular rehabilitation therapy may help patients recover from balance issues or dizziness, especially after surgery.

Prognosis:

Acoustic neuromas are generally slow-growing, and while they are not cancerous, their size and location can cause significant symptoms if left untreated. Early detection and appropriate management can help minimize the impact of vertigo, hearing loss, and other complications associated with the condition.

If vertigo is present, it may lessen as the brain compensates for the tumor’s effects, but persistent or worsening symptoms should be addressed by a healthcare provider.


 The Vertigo And Dizziness Program™ By Christian Goodman Vertigo and Dizziness Program is a designed to help stop vertigo and dizziness once and for all. Medical practitioner don’t know the exact cure for this condition but this program will show you exactly what you need to make this painful condition a thing of the past. This program has recommended a set of simple head exercises that help cure this condition.