What are the treatment options for acoustic neuroma?

An acoustic neuroma, also called a vestibular schwannoma, develops from the nerve involved in hearing and balance. The care team considers tumour size, growth on scans, hearing, balance, facial nerve function, age, general health and personal preferences. Observation uses scheduled scans and hearing checks when immediate treatment is not needed. Stereotactic radiosurgery delivers focused radiation without opening the skull and aims to control growth. Surgery removes some or all of the tumour and may be considered when it is large, growing or causing pressure.

Ask for a review involving the relevant specialists, which may include an ear, nose and throat doctor, neurosurgeon, radiation specialist and hearing professional. Bring details of hearing loss, ringing, dizziness, imbalance, facial weakness and how these affect daily activities. Discuss the purpose of each option, possible effects on hearing and facial movement, recovery needs, and what happens if scans show growth during observation.

Seek urgent medical help for sudden facial weakness, a sudden major change in hearing, severe new headache, repeated vomiting, confusion, fainting, or difficulty walking. These symptoms can have causes other than an acoustic neuroma but need prompt assessment.

Ask how the tumour is positioned, whether observation is reasonable, what hearing outcome is realistic with each option, how facial nerve function will be protected, and how follow-up scans will be scheduled.