81. Acoustic Neuromas acoustic neuromas. What is an acoustic neuroma? An acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor that can affect the balance and hearing nerves behind the inner ear. http://www.earsite.com/tumors/acoustic_home.html

Acoustic Neuromas What is an acoustic neuroma? An acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor that can affect the balance and hearing nerves behind the inner ear. Tumors are classified as benign or malignant based upon their growth characteristics. Benign tumors generally grow slowly and do not spread throughout the body. When they grow, they usually invade or push adjacent structures aside. Unlike benign tumors, malignant tumors like breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer and prostate cancer generally grow faster and can spread to other regions of the body. Where are these acoustic neuromas? The internal auditory canal contains three different types of nerves, the hearing, balance and facial nerve. The facial nerve is responsible for conducting information concerning motion of the face on that side. This is the nerve that is responsible for our ability to raise our eyebrows, close our eyes, flare our nostrils and raise the corner of the mouth on that side. It is also responsible for conducting information regarding taste from the front 2/3 of the tongue and also tear production from the lacrimal glands in our eyes. The superior and inferior vestibular nerves (or upper and lower balance nerves) convey information regarding balance function from a number of balance organs including the semicircular canals, utricle and saccule. Peripherally, i.e. closer to the inner ear, the superior and inferior vestibular nerves are coated by a layer of Schwann cells which produce a substance called myelin, which allow efficient conduction of nerve impulses. Centrally, i.e. closer to the brainstem, these nerves are coated by a layer of cells called oligodendroglia, which have the same function as Schwann cells. The junction where the Schwann cells meet the oligidendroglia cells is termed the Obersteiner-Redlich zone. Acoustic neuromas arise from Schwann cells, located near the Obersteiner-Redlich zone, and are more appropriately termed vestibular schwannomas.

82. Department Of Otolaryngology - UT Memphis - Acoustic Neuroma University of Tennessee, Memphis, The Ear and Balance Center acoustic neuroma. What is an acoustic neuroma? How is acoustic neuroma diagnosed? http://www.utmem.edu/otolaryngology/Patients&Public/Ear&BalanceCenter/AcousticNe

The Ear and Balance Center: Acoustic Neuroma What is an acoustic neuroma? An acoustic neuroma (otherwise known as vestibular schwannoma) is a benign tumor arising in the vestibular, or balance nerve connecting the inner ear to the br ain. The balance nerve runs beside the nerve of hearing and the facial nerve which controls movement of the facial muscles. These three nerves travel through a bony canal known as the internal auditory canal. The acoustic neuroma slowly grows in this canal and eventually may extend inward toward the brain. If the tumor grows large enough to press upon the brainstem, it will cause major problems. The most common complaint of a patient with an acoustic neuroma is hearing loss in one ear. Other symptoms include ringing in the ears, imbalance, spinning vertigo, numbness in the ear or facial area, and headache. How is acoustic neuroma diagnosed? A patient may be suspected of having an acoustic neuroma if a hearing test reveals sensorineural (nerve) hearing loss in one ear. It is important to note that most people with such hearing loss do not have an acoustic neuroma. Currently, the best way to diagnose an acoustic neuroma is with an MRI scan. This is an MRI scan showing an Acoustic Neuroma of the left vestibular nerve. This patient complained of diminished hearing in the left ear, and had no other problems. His audiogram showed mild nerve hearing loss on the left. How quickly will an acoustic neuroma grow?

83. Vestibular Schwannoma, Family Guide To Neuromedicine Vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma). A Vestibular schwannoma, previously known as an acoustic neuroma, is one of the most common forms of brain tumor. http://www.muhealth.org/~neuromedicine/vestibular.shtml

Find a physician Find a clinic E-mail patients Request appointments ... Find a job NEUROMEDICINE Family guide topics Neurological Surgery Vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma) A Vestibular schwannoma, previously known as an acoustic neuroma, is one of the most common forms of brain tumor. It usually occurs on one side of the brain and is often detected in the third to sixth decade of life. The tumor is comprised of cells, called Schwann cells, and is therefore often referred to as a "Schwannoma." The tumor is relatively slow growing, and may go unnoticed until symptoms occur. The symptoms of acoustic neuroma include: Unilateral hearing loss Hearing loss is caused by the tumor pressing on the eighth cranial nerve, which controls hearing. This is the most common symptom of acoustic neuroma. The person may notice a decrease in the hearing acuity in one ear, while the other ear is unchanged. Often, the person may notice listening on the telephone becomes more difficult with one ear. High pitch voices or music may be difficult to hear. The hearing loss may be slow and go unnoticed in the beginning, and may progress to almost complete hearing loss in one ear. Ringing in the ear, tinnitus

84. Acoustic Neuroma - Medical Dictionary Definitions Of Popular Medical Terms MedicineNet Home MedTerms medical dictionary AZ List acoustic neuroma. Advanced Search. There are two types of acoustic neuroma unilateral and bilateral. http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=15162

85. Acoustic Neuroma Home Page Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery. acoustic neuroma Home Page. The OHSU acoustic neuroma Treatment Team acoustic neuroma Background. http://www.ohsu.edu/ent/ear/acoustic.html

Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery Acoustic Neuroma Home Page The OHSU Acoustic Neuroma Treatment Team At OHSU, patients with acoustic neuromas are cared for by a team of physicians in order to provide the maximum expertise in the treatment of these tumors. Acoustic neuromas are located at the cranial base, on the border between the brain and the ear canal. A joint approach, undertaken by both a specialty-trained otologist who specializes in treatment of problems in the inner ear and its nerves and a neurosurgeon who specializes in brain tumors, allows us to be maximally familiar with all areas of treatment of this problem. When appropriate, a radiation therapist who specializes in the treatment of tumors in the brain and the head and neck may also be involved. Sean O. McMenomey, M.D., Associate Professor of Otolaryngology and Neurosurgery Johnny B. Delashaw, Jr., M.D., Professor of Neurosurgery and Otolaryngology General Principles of Acoustic Neuroma Treatment Acoustic Neuroma Background What To Expect During Treatment Acoustic Neuroma Glossary ... Quality of Life Following Acoustic Neuroma Surgery An article by Dr. McMenomey et al in Neurosurgical Focus, 1998. View an Acoustic Neuroma Surgery (Download RealPlayer free) Back to Otology and Neurotology Home Page Back to Otology/Neurotology/Skull Base Surgery Homepage

86. Acoustic Neuroma acoustic neuroma Important It is possible that the main title of the report acoustic neuroma is not the name you expected. Please http://my.webmd.com/hw/ear_disorders/nord45.asp

var guid_source = ""; var guid_source_id = ""; //unused var encodedurl = ""; WebMD Today Home WebMD News Center Member Services WebMD University My WebMD Find a Physician Medical Info Check Symptoms Medical Library Quizzes, Calculators Clinical Trials ... Women, Men, Lifestyle Who We Are About WebMD Site Map You are in Choose a Topic All Conditions ADD/ADHD Allergies Alzheimer's Arthritis Asthma Back Pain Breast Cancer Cancer Dental Depression Diabetes Eye Health Heart Disease Hepatitis HIV/AIDS Hypertension Men's Conditions Mental Health Migraines/Headaches Multiple Sclerosis Osteoporosis Parkinson's Sexual Conditions Stroke Weight Control Women's Conditions Health Topics Symptoms Medical Tests Medications ... For a Complete Report Acoustic Neuroma Important It is possible that the main title of the report Acoustic Neuroma is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report. Synonyms Acoustic Neurilemoma Bilateral Acoustic Neuroma Cerebellopontine Angle Tumor Fibroblastoma, Perineural

87. Emory Healthcare: Acoustic Neuroma Audiology. acoustic neuroma. Definition. An acoustic neuroma is a benign (noncancerous) tumor on the eighth cranial nerve leading from the brainstem to the ear. http://www.emoryhealthcare.org/HealthGate/12075.html

Making People Healthy Home Find a Physician Departments Facilities ... Ways to Give Search: Patient/Visitor Guide About Us For Physicians News/Media ... Ways to Give "U.S." News Ranks Emory University Hospital Among Nation's Best Hospitals In Seven Specialties Click Here for More.... Audiology Acoustic Neuroma (Neurolemmoma, Vestibular Schwannoma) Pronounced: Ah-COO-stic New-ROH-mah by Michelle Badash, MS Definition An acoustic neuroma is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor on the eighth cranial nerve leading from the brainstem to the ear. This nerve is involved in hearing and maintaining equilibrium. Acoustic neuromas grow relatively slowly. Causes The exact cause of an acoustic neuroma is unknown. Risk Factors A risk factor is something that increases your chances of getting a disease or condition. Age: 30-60 (Average age of diagnosis is 50) History of the disease neurofibromatosis type 2 (for bilateral neuromas only, which are very rare) Symptoms The first symptoms of an acoustic neuroma include: Gradual hearing loss in one ear Decrease in sound discrimination, especially when talking on the telephone

88. Acoustic Neuroma, UPMC | University Of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA A comprehensive resource describing the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of acoustic neuroma from the health care experts at the University of http://hearingloss.upmc.com/AcousticNeuroma/

Home Acoustic Neuroma An acoustic neuroma is a slow-growing, noncancerous tumor on the eighth cranial nerve leading from the brainstem to the ear. This nerve is involved in hearing and maintaining equilibrium. Read more Diagnosis Treatment Options Research ... Contact UPMC Supplemental content provided by HealthGate Data Corp Terms and Conditions

89. Acoustic Neuroma Physicians acoustic neuroma PHYSICIANS. (Formerly acoustic neuroma Info Sources). DISCLAIMER The Information. Sandi Wiggins acoustic neuroma Resources. http://mywebpages.comcast.net/wiggins706/acousticphysicians.htm

ACOUSTIC NEUROMA PHYSICIANS (Formerly Acoustic Neuroma Info Sources) The following data are presented with the hope that they will be of some use to patients with recently diagnosed acoustic neuromas. No effort has been made to determine either the accuracy of the information or the quality of service offered. I am not a medically trained person and make no recommendations based on this information. Inclusion on this list does not imply a recommendation nor does non-inclusion imply the opposite. In the constant effort to improve this site we are beginning to list the various websites for doctors and facilities listed below. We hope this may provide you with speedier access. We are very receptive to e-mails furnishing these web addresses. We will also list faculty members, administrators, and others who may be of help. In general this list is based on e-mails directly from recovering patients. I will furnish you with their e-mail addresses upon request. Because of my desire to disseminate as much information as possible this list is being expanded to include AN doctors and hospitals that have come to my attention from sources other than patient e-mails. Such names will be preceded by a No person has used any special influence to be included hereon. E-mails from patients will be reviewed and the information possibly added later.

90. USAeyes.org - Acoustic Neuroma acoustic neuroma. acoustic neuroma is of the brain. Most acoustic neuromas are diagnosed in patients between the ages of 30 and 60. http://www.usaeyes.org/faq/subjects/neuroma.htm

You are visitor Navigation... HOME SEARCH Services... LOCATE A CRSQA CERTIFIED LASIK SURGEON ASK THE LASIK EXPERTS LASIK COMPLICATIONS? HELP IS AT HAND Need to know... 50 TOUGH QUESTIONS FOR YOUR LASIK DOCTOR WHAT CRSQA CERTIFICATION MEANS Community... LASIK BULLETIN BOARD LASIK GUEST BOOK Research... KNOW WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT LASIK SHOULD YOU DO LASIK? BAD RESULTS ... REPORT A BAD LASIK DOCTOR Doctors... BECOME CERTIFIED About us... LEARN ABOUT US CRASS COMMERCIALISM Contact us... CONTACT US Acoustic Neuroma Acoustic neuroma is not usually a contraindication for refractive surgery if it has been either removed or otherwise stabilized, however be sure to tell your refractive surgeon about your condition. Although reduced facial sensation, limited facial expression, and poor balance may occur, these do not directly affect refractive surgery. Acoustic neuroma (sometimes termed a neurolemmoma or schwannoma) is a non-cancerous tissue growth on a nerve leading from the brain to the inner ear. This nerve both transmits sound information and sends balance information to the brain from the inner ear. This nerve and the facial nerve that provides motion of the muscles of facial expression lie adjacent to each other as they pass through a bony canal called the internal auditory canal. The brain is not invaded by the tumor, but the tumor pushes the brain as it enlarges. The slowly enlarging tumor protrudes from the internal auditory canal into an area behind the temporal bone called the cerebellopontine angle. The tumor now assumes a pear shape with the small end in the internal auditory canal.

91. Acoustic Neuroma (Reviewed by David Wiegand, MD, Medical Research Advisor, acoustic neuroma Association, and Jenny R. Broberg, MPH, Member Services Director, acoustic neuroma http://www.vestibular.org/neuroma.html

Acoustic Neuroma (Reviewed by David Wiegand, M.D., Medical Research Advisor, Acoustic Neuroma Association, and Jenny R. Broberg, M.P.H., Member Services Director, Acoustic Neuroma Association.) Balance disorders can have a number of causes. One cause of imbalance, dizziness, and occasionally vertigo is a benign tumor termed an acoustic neuroma. Acoustic neuromas are rare. About 2,000 acoustic neuromas are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. The correct name for this tumor should be vestibular schwannoma , because it arises from the schwann cell (lining) layer of the vestibular portion of the eighth cranial nerve. However, this eighth nerve has two parts, the acoustic (hearing) part as well as the vestibular (balance) part, and since this is a non-malignant tumor (neuroma) on this nerve, the term "acoustic neuroma" is commonly used. An acoustic neuroma usually begins in a tiny tube called the internal auditory canal, which is the passage carrying the eighth and other nerves and blood vessels between the inner ear (where the balance mechanisms are located), and the brain. As the tumor grows inside this bony tube and then out against the brain, it distorts adjacent nerves. As the eighth nerve is stretched by the tumor, both hearing and balance may be affected. Some acoustic neuromas cause a period of unsteadiness or imbalance without other symptoms such as one-sided hearing loss or intense ringing in the ear. Vestibular nerve function may be gradually lost without much balance disturbance. These patients are not as likely to suffer long-term imbalance if the tumor is surgically removed and the non- functioning nerve sacrificed. A functioning vestibular nerve at the time of necessary surgical severing may require some time for bodily adjustment to the quick loss of this part of the balance system, and so the patient may suffer imbalance for several months after surgery.

92. Acoustic Neuromas - Neurotology Chicago In the above MRI image, the lighter gray area shown by the arrow points to an acoustic neuroma arising from the vestibular (balance nerve) in a young patient. http://www.otol.uic.edu/neurotology/acousticneur.htm

Home Otolaryngology Home Divisions Audiology Plastic Surgery Speech Neurotolgy ... Voice Center Residency Applicant Info Affiliated Hospitals Personnel Faculty Residents Staff Research About Pre-clinical Currents Clinical Currents Resources Alumni Listing Photos General Map Schedules Databases Acoustic Neuromas What are Acoustic Neuromas? Acoustic neuromas are tumors of the balance nerves occasionally they arise from the hearing nerve. They are also called vestibular schwannomas. Some pertinent anatomy: The hearing nerve travels right next to the two balance nerves and the facial nerve (the nerve that controls the movement of the face). The tumors of the hearing or balance nerves generally start at the area where the nerves enter the temporal bone (bone surrounding the ear) and grow towards the brainstem. This area is called the cerebellopontine angle (the angle between the cerebellum and the brainstem). In the above MRI image, the lighter gray area shown by the arrow points to an acoustic neuroma arising from the vestibular (balance nerve) in a young patient.

93. Acoustic Neuromas Endoscopic Surgery Through Dime Size Hole Behind Ear An acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor of the eighth cranial nerve the vestibulo-cochlear nerve that travels from the brain to the ear. http://www.skullbaseinstitute.com/treatments/acoustic_neuromas.html

Treatments: Pituitary Tumors Microvascular Nerve Compressions Acoustic Neuromas Craniopharyngiomas ... Click for video An acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor of the eighth cranial nerve - the vestibulo-cochlear nerve that travels from the brain to the ear. It usually manifests itself with one-sided hearing loss. But other cranial nerves, particularly one affecting the face, are in close proximity. Therefore, while the tumors themselves are considered benign because they do not metastasize to other organs, they can cause serious complications and eventually death as they grow, exerting pressure on nerves and on the brain itself. Click for larger image To remove these tumors, surgeons have traditionally relied on one of two common approaches. The most frequently used procedure, the Translabyrinthine approach, involves several surgeons who drill through the mastoid bone behind the ear to access the tumor. For smaller tumors, the "retrosigmoid" or" sub-occipital" approach offers the possibility of saving some hearing. Instead of going through the mastoid bone, surgeons make a large incision behind the ear, open the skull behind the mastoid bone, push the brain aside, and take the tumor out.

94. Acoustic Neuromas The most common symptoms of an acoustic neuroma include, hearing loss on the side of the tumor, ringing in the ear (known as tinnutis), balance problems and http://www.cinn.org/ibsc/braintumor/diagnoses/acousticneuromas.html

All Diagnoses PRIMARY TUMORS Acoustic Neuroma Chondroma Chondrosarcoma Chordoma ... Hemantioblastoma Hemangiopericytoma Lipoma Lymphoma Medulloblastoma Meningioma Neuroblastoma Neurocytoma ... METASTATIC TUMORS CYSTS Arachnoid Colloid Dermoid Epidermoid Biopsy Blink Reflexes cystometrogram CT Medical History MRI MR Spectroscopy Neurological Examination PET Surgery RADIATION THERAPY STEREOTACTIC RADIOSURGERY Brain Tumor Program Care Team ... Send This Page To a Friend Acoustic Neuromas This tumor is also called schwannoma, neurolemmoma or neurinoma. It is typically a benign tumor that comes from a balance nerve, which is part of the hearing nerve. This tumor is located in the back part of the skull in an area called the cerebello-pontine angle or CP angle. This tumor tends to grow very slowly, especially in the elderly. This is a relatively common tumor; more than 2000 cases are discovered in the U.S. each year. Acoustic Neuromas are most commonly discovered in middle aged patients. Symptoms The most common symptoms of an acoustic neuroma include, hearing loss on the side of the tumor, ringing in the ear (known as tinnutis), balance problems and headache. This tumor can also cause weakness of the face.

95. Acoustic Neuromas The most common symptoms of an acoustic neuroma include, hearing loss on the side of the tumor, ringing in the ear (known as tinnitus), balance problems and http://www.cinn.org/ibsc/cranialbase/acousticneuromas.html

Acoustic Neuromas Chiari malformations Orbital Tumors Pituitary Tumors ... Send This Page To a Friend Acoustic Neuromas This tumor is also called schwannoma, neurolemmoma or neurinoma. It is typically a benign tumor that comes from a balance nerve, which is part of the hearing nerve. This tumor is located in the back part of the skull in an area called the cerebello-pontine angle or CP angle. This tumor tends to grow very slowly, especially in the elderly. This is a relatively uncommon tumor; approximately 2000 cases are discovered in the U.S. each year. Acoustic Neuromas are most commonly discovered in middle aged patients. Symptoms The most common symptoms of an acoustic neuroma include, hearing loss on the side of the tumor, ringing in the ear (known as tinnitus), balance problems and headache. This tumor can also cause weakness or numbness of the face. Diagnosis The best way to diagnose an acoustic neuroma is with a magnetic resonance imaging scan ( MRI ). Very small tumors can be found by MRI as long as the pictures are obtained properly. Computerized axial tomography scans (

96. Acoustic Neuroma / Stereotactic Radiosurgery acoustic neuroma treatment information using Gamma Knife and Linac stereotactic radiosurgery. About the Menu, http://www.irsa.org/acoustic_neuroma.html

/* You may give each page an identifying name, server, and channel on the next lines. */ var pageName = ""; /**** DO NOT ALTER ANYTHING BELOW THIS LINE! ****/ var code = ' '; document.write(' '); document.write('>'); USA Centers of Excellence Ask the Medical Staff Click here to search my site Court Decision Acoustic Neuroma An acoustic neuroma is a skull based nerve sheath tumor that constitutes about 6% of all primary intracranial tumors. The are usually benign and slow growing tumor which arise primarily from the vestibular portion of the VIII cranial nerve and lie in the cerebellopontine angle - a wedge shaped area bounded by the petrous bone, the pons and the cerebellum. Diagnosis It is a scary moment when your doctor tells you that you have a "brain tumor" called acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma). You think you are the only one with this disease and you will soon die or at least become a physical wreck. You fear the only treatments available are either ineffective or very dangerous. Fortunately, this is all wrong. You are not alone: between 2500 and 3000 new acoustic neuroma patients are diagnosed in the United States alone every year. And effective, low-risk treatment is available.

97. Cleveland Clinic > Neuroscience > Specialized Techniques > Gamma Knife > Acousti Tumors. Treatment of acoustic neuromas and Other Schwannomas Treatment of acoustic neuroma is among the oldest indications for Gamma Knife Radiosurgery (GKRS). http://www.clevelandclinic.org/neuroscience/techniques/gamma/neuromas.htm

Contact Us Appointments What We Treat About Us ... Pediatric Specialized Techniques Specialized Techniques Gamma Knife Services The Procedure FUNCTIONAL DISORDERS Epilepsy Trigeminal Neuralgia TUMORS Acoustic Neuromas and Other Schwannomas Meningiomas Metastatic Brain Tumors Primary Brain Tumors ... Skull Base Tumors VASCULAR DISORDERS Arteriovenous Malformations (Click on image to enlarge.) Tumors Treatment of Acoustic Neuromas and Other Schwannomas Treatment of acoustic neuroma is among the oldest indications for Gamma Knife Radiosurgery (GKRS). Advanced conformal planning allows tailoring treatment radiation to the shape of the lesion while minimizing brainstem and cranial nerve dose. Current technique results in high tumor control with low brainstem, facial nerve, and other complications. Successfully treated acoustic neuromas often evolve through several phases. Initial changes may take several months or more to occur, the earliest of which is loss of central enhancement and slight enlargement of the tumor. Several months later, central enhancement may recur along with slight shrinkage of the lesion, then stabilizes in size. The goal of GKRS for acoustic neuroma is to arrest tumor growth, not to make the tumor disappear. Cleveland Clinic Home Privacy Statement Site Map

98. Acoustic Neuroma acoustic neuroma. An acoustic neuroma is a noncancerous growth or tumor on the auditory nerve near the inner ear. Symptoms of acoustic neuroma may include http://www.meritcare.com/hwdb/_followLink.asp?sgml_id=sta123100

99. Acoustic Neuroma An acoustic neuroma is a tumor that forms from the covering of the eighth cranial nerve. The acoustic neuroma is generally a slowgrowing tumor. http://www.health-alliance.com/learnabout/learn_acoustic.htm

search Behavioral Alcoholism Anxiety Bipolar Disorder Depression ... Panic Disorders Brain Tumors Acoustic Neuroma Glioblastoma Meningioma Pituitary Tumors Cancer Breast Lung Prostate Skin Epilepsy Generalized Complex Psychogenic Heart Aortic Aneurysms Angina Arrhythmias Atherosclerosis ... Valvular Disease Integrative Medicine Acupuncture Chiropractic Care Energy Healing Massage ... Yoga Therapy Stroke Aneurysms Arteriovenous TIA General Illnesses Abdominal Pain Allergies Asthma Bronchitis ... Upper Respiratory An acoustic neuroma is a tumor that forms from the covering of the eighth cranial nerve. This tumor is benign and does not spread to other parts of the body. The acoustic neuroma is generally a slow-growing tumor. What are the symptoms of acoustic neuroma? The most common first symptom is hearing loss in the affected ear, which may often go unrecognized or mistaken as a normal change of aging. As an acoustic neuroma enlarges, it may cause additional symptoms such as loss of balance, headache, unsteadiness, facial weakness, facial numbness and/or double vision. What causes acoustic neuromas?

100. Washington University Neurosurgery: Clinical Programs / Acoustic Neuroma acoustic neuroma. Acoustic Tumor or acoustic neuroma are terms commonly applied to tumors that arise within the cochleovestibular http://neurosurgery.wustl.edu/clinprog/acousticneuroma.htm

Acoustic Neuroma "Acoustic Tumor" or "Acoustic Neuroma" are terms commonly applied to tumors that arise within the cochleovestibular nerve, the 8th cranial nerve. More officially, most of these tumors are known as either solitary vestibular Schwannomas (those occurring on one side only; most common; usually not hereditary in patients over 30 years old) or bilateral vestibular Schwannomas of neurofibromatosis-type 2, known as NF II (these are hereditary and other family members may have these often initially silent tumors; many other tumors in and around the brain and spinal cord may be present in these cases). Histologically, these tumors are named after the cell of origin, the Schwann cell which is also known as a neurilemmal cell, thus these tumors are also known as neurilemmomas. Other tumors, such as meningiomas, which arise from tissues adjacent to the 8th nerve, may present with the same symptoms as those tumors arising within the 8th nerve. Eighth nerve Schwannomas present initially with ringing (tinnitus) and hearing loss in one ear (unilateral). A sense of being slightly off balance in certain circumstances is some times also a symptom. The degree or the duration of these symptoms does not necessarily correlate with the size of the tumor. For example, recent unilateral tinnitus with normal hearing can be the only symptom of long duration bilateral huge tumors compressing the brainstem severely; or complete unilateral deafness can be the presenting symptom of a very small tumor. Of fundamental importance is that an unilateral difference in auditory (hearing) or vestibular (balance) function, regardless of how slight and regardless for how long present, requires investigation in order to determine the presence or absence of a tumor involving the 8th nerve.

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