Acoustic Neuroma Home A-Z Health Information Health Library A-Z Acoustic Neuroma Overview Acoustic neuromas, also known as vestibular schwannomas, are benign (non-cancerous) tumours that develop from the Schwann cells, responsible for insulating the eighth cranial nerve (vestibulocochlear nerve). Acoustic neuromas rarely turn malignant. Causes Acoustic neuromas may occur suddenly. Bilateral occurrence may be associated with Neurofibromatosis type 2, which is a genetic disorder. Risk factors Genetic risk factor: A family history of the rare genetic condition neurofibromatosis type 2 significantly increases the risk.Environmental risk factor: Exposure to radiation, particularly the head, has been conclusively associated with a higher risk of acoustic neuroma. However, there is currently no evidence suggesting a link between the use of cell phones and the development of these tumours. Symptoms Hearing loss on the side of the lesionRinging in the ear (Tinnitus)GiddinessImbalance on walkingFacial weaknessHeadache, nausea, or vomiting, if the tumour is large or is compressing the ventricular outflow system. Specialist to approach Neurologist/ Neurosurgeon Diagnosis Audiogram- For high frequency hearing lossCT scan- For contrast enhancing lesion with expansion of internal auditory canalMRI brain- For detecting ice cream cone appearance in posterior fossa Treatment Usually, conservative treatment is required with monitoring through serial MRIExpanding or large lesions may be excised (through suboccipital or translabyrinthine or middle fossa approach)Excision carries the risk of morbidities such as hearing loss, facial nerve injury or vertigoStereotactic radiotherapy has low morbidity risk compared with surgery