Acoustic Neuroma Care

An acoustic neuroma is a benign, often slow-growing tumor on one of the nerves that connects the brain and the inner ear. It's also known as a vestibular schwannoma.

As the tumor grows, it can start to push on the nerve and cause problems with your balance or hearing. You may feel dizzy or have tinnitus, a ringing sound in your ear.

If the tumor grows even larger, it can cause problems related to brain compression. Though this is rare, it can lead to confusion, headaches, vomiting or losing consciousness. Although it would be very rare for an acoustic neuroma to be fatal, the symptoms can greatly affect your quality of life.

Most acoustic neuromas appear spontaneously, meaning they have no known cause. The tumor is made of Schwann cells, which cover nerve fibers. It can either be unilateral, meaning it only affects one ear, or bilateral, meaning it affects both ears.

Unilateral acoustic neuromas are more common. Bilateral acoustic neuromas are rarer and are usually found in people with neurofibromatosis-2, a genetic condition that can lead to increased risk of developing tumors.

The Rush Approach to Acoustic Neuroma Treatment

The Rush Acoustic Neuroma Program offers personal care plans for patients with acoustic neuromas. The program brings together highly skilled specialists who have extensive experience diagnosing and treating these tumors, including the following:

• Neurotologists (a subspecialty within ENT)
• Neurosurgeons
• Neuro-oncologists
• Radiation oncologists
• Audiologists
• Facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons

The team is committed to improving your quality of life by helping you make informed decisions about managing your tumor and, when needed, rehabilitation for hearing loss.

To diagnose an acoustic neuroma, the most important test is an MRI scan of the inner ear. This can detect even small tumors in very early stages. Other tests may include hearing or balance tests to measure nerve function.

There are three general approaches for managing acoustic neuromas. They include the following:

• Observation: Because acoustic neuromas can now be found when they’re very small with MRI scans and tend to grow very slowly or not at all, our team may just observe the tumor over time. If they see any concerning changes, they may address them with further treatment in the future.
• Surgery: If a tumor is already large, growing quickly or causing symptoms, the team may choose to surgically remove it. The surgery is very effective and can stop the progression of hearing loss and reduce or stop other symptoms.
• Stereotactic radiosurgery: In some cases, low-dose radiation therapy can slow or stop the growth of tumors, though it does not remove them. This treatment uses focused radiation to target the tumor without damaging surrounding tissue.

Your team of specialists will provide input and work with you to decide on the best approach for treatment. They’ll take the following into account:

• Your level of hearing
• Any balance issues you have
• The size, shape and rate of growth of the tumor
• Your age and health

When to Schedule an Appointment

It's important to consult with an acoustic neuroma specialist to learn about all your options before you start any type of treatment. Because our team offers every available treatment option for acoustic neuromas, we can help you get the appropriate treatment at the right time.

We encourage you to schedule a consultation with us:

• If you have been newly diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma
• If you need follow-up care after initial treatment
• If your tumor is growing after prior radiation therapy
• If you're seeking a second opinion about either your diagnosis or treatment options, especially before you decide on a treatment

Rush Excellence in Acoustic Neuroma Treatment

• A team approach to care: Our providers will work with physicians across specialties on your case, then tailor a care plan that includes the least invasive options possible. They have been designated a Multidisciplinary Team of Distinction by the North American Skull Base Society. Programs they work with include the Auditory Implant Program, Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Neurological Surgery, Otorhinolaryngology (ENT), Outpatient Physical Therapy, Radiation Oncology and Skull Base and Pituitary Surgery.
• Surgical expertise: Neurotologists and neurosurgeons at Rush are experts in treating acoustic neuromas with a variety of surgical approaches to remove these tumors and prevent nerve damage.
• Targeted radiation therapy: We offer stereotactic radiosurgery, a highly targeted form of radiation therapy that can stop the growth of tumors more accurately and effectively.
• Part of a national network: Ruah is a gold sponsor of the Acoustic Neuroma Association, the premier resource for the acoustic neuroma community that informs, educates and supports those affected by acoustic neuroma brain tumors.
• Nationally recognized programs: U.S. News & World Report includes Rush on its Best Hospitals Honor Roll and ranks our ENT and neurology and neurosurgery programs among the nation's best.
• Care close to home: While surgery and radiation therapy are provided at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, much of your evaluation and care can happen at our locations in Oak Brook, Illinois, and Munster, Indiana.