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Symptoms

First Signs

Acoustic neuromas usually develop slowly (on average about 1mm per year). They have a firm capsule and do not form secondary growths (metastases). Symptoms become apparent only when neuromas exert pressure on the vestibulocochlear nerve, and later on the more distant cranial nerves and areas.

The most common symptom is a unilateral diminishment of hearing. The character of the hearing impairment can initially vary considerably: of note is at first the deterioration of high frequency hearing (high tone hearing loss). In some cases, however, the tumour makes itself apparent via a sudden unilateral deterioration or loss.

The hearing difficulties are often accompanied by a constantly recurring ringing in the ears (tinnitus) - mostly in high tone areas. Tinnitus without a deterioration of hearing can also be the first symptom of acoustic neurinoma.

If signal transmission from the organs of balance to the brain is impaired then sufferers may experience dizziness (rotation and tilt).

Perceptual disturbances and numbness in the face are less common, as the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve) is somewhat further away from the cerebello-pontine angle. If this nerve is affected then the result can be the emergence of a painful trigeminal neuralgia.

If the tumour is so large that the outflow of cerebrospinal fluid from the brain to the cerebello-pontine angle is hindered (obstructive hydrocephalus), then pressure on the brain increases. Increased brain pressure and hydrocephalus lead to headaches (primarily occipital - towards the back of the head), stiffness of the neck, vomiting and visual disturbances.

IG Akustikusneurinom Recommendation:

Dizziness and balance problems must also be checked up by a (ENT) specialist. Since its founding, IG Akustikusneurinom has surveyed many patients who were finally diagnosed with acoustic neurinoma (AN). A majority of them were diagnosed with AN only after several months had passed and after a number of visits to the doctor. Patients with the symptoms described here should therefore not satisfy themselves with a simple diagnosis of "stress". In years gone by this was a major source of incorrect diagnosis. An MRI investigation using a contrast agent always provides the necessary information. The sooner acoustic neuroma is diagnosed and locallised, the more time those affected have . A number of studies have reported that AN generally grow very slowly or often stop growing! In view of the postoperative problems, waiting can be amply justified if the AN is small and not growing. This means though that an annual MRI investigation is recommended in order to see if the tumour is still "active".

IG Akustikusneurinom (IGAN)

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