Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma)

 

Pressure Effects on Cranial Nerves:

. Vestibular Nerve (CN VIII): Deafness, vertigo, tinnitus (DVT).

. Facial Nerve (CN VII): Facial weakness or drooping.

. Abducens Nerve (CN VI): Diplopia.

. Trigeminal Nerve (CN V): Loss of corneal reflex and facial sensation.

 

Additional Symptoms:

. Feeling of fullness in the affected ear.

. Symptoms of increased intracranial pressure (e.g., headache) due to the space-occupying nature of the lesion.

 

Investigations:

i. MRI of the Cerebellopontine Angle: Preferred imaging to confirm the diagnosis.

ii. MRI of the Internal Auditory Meatus: To assess the extent of the tumor.

iii. MRI Brain: To rule out other intracranial pathologies.

 

Management:

i. Observation: For small, asymptomatic tumors.

ii. Surgical Resection: For larger or symptomatic tumors.

iii. Radiotherapy: An option for patients who are not surgical candidates or for residual tumor control post-surgery.